The family of an 89-year-old man killed in a horrific hit-and-run collision in Kent have paid a moving tribute, saying he "deserved a better end to his life than this".
Charges Laid After Fatal Collision
Tom Wallace, a retired dental surgeon, was struck by a car on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham just after midday on Monday. In a shocking twist, it appears he was carried on top of the vehicle for approximately a mile before being found on Grange Road in the Medway town. Emergency services attended but Mr Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following a police investigation, two men have been tracked down and charged. Albert Matraxhiu, 28, from Edgware in north London, faces a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Erald Paci, 29, from Chatham in Kent, has been charged with perverting the course of justice. The pair, both Albanian nationals, appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Friday where they were remanded in custody. They did not enter a plea.
A Life of Service Cut Short
In a statement released through Kent Police, Mr Wallace's heartbroken family remembered a devoted family man and pillar of the local community. He had been married for 63 years, was a father of three, a grandfather of four, and had recently become a great-grandfather.
His professional and charitable contributions were extensive. Tom Wallace, LDS, RCS Eng, had worked as a dental surgeon in the Medway Towns for his entire career. Beyond his work, he was a dedicated bell-ringer at the church on Gillingham Green, volunteered as a Samaritan for many years, raised funds for the NSPCC, and undertook several European cycling tours to raise money for Marie Curie.
The family also expressed their profound gratitude to the members of the public who tried to help. "The residents and postman who tried to help in Grange Road were compassionate and kind. Our thanks and appreciation go out to them," the tribute read.
Police Investigation and Court Proceedings
Kent Police had earlier released CCTV images of two men fleeing the scene, leading to the arrests. Prosecuting, Victoria McGrady told the court that the vehicle's front and rear licence plates were removed and disposed of after the collision, an act central to the perverting justice charge.
The two defendants are now scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 30 January for their next hearing. The case continues as the community mourns the loss of a respected figure.
The family's final words captured the tragedy: describing him as a "respected and loved member of the community", they simply stated he "deserved a better end to his life than this".
