Edgware driver jailed for nine years after killing pedestrian in Kent

Albert Matraxhiu, a 29-year-old resident of Edgware, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 29 July 2026. He received nine years and 10 months for causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. The court heard that Matraxhiu was driving a grey Mercedes estate without insurance or a valid licence when the incident occurred.

The collision took place on 29 December 2025 at approximately 12:00 on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent. Thomas Wallace, an 89-year-old retired dental surgeon, was crossing the road when Matraxhiu struck him at an estimated speed of 76.5mph. Witnesses told the court that Wallace was thrown into the air and landed on the roof of the car, where he remained for about one mile.

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Abandoned car and body

Matraxhiu did not stop after the impact. Instead, he continued driving until Wallace’s body fell from the roof as the car turned onto Grange Road. A postman later discovered the body. Matraxhiu and his passenger, Erald Paci, drove to a rural location where they abandoned the car. They removed the number plates and discarded their clothes and mobile phones before leaving the scene.

Paci, 30, of Chatham, Kent, was sentenced to 15 months for perverting the course of justice. He was released immediately after sentencing because he had already served the equivalent time on remand. Matraxhiu fled to Sheffield after the incident but was located by police within 24 hours of a media appeal. Paci had contacted police less than 12 hours after the crash and later assisted officers in recovering the abandoned number plates.

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Victim’s family statements

“Tom was a good man, he worked as a dental surgeon all his life, he would do anything for anybody. He did not deserve this end.”

Angela Wallace, widow of Thomas Wallace

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Julian Smith described the victim’s family statements as painting an “extraordinary picture of a full life.” Angela Wallace, who had been married to Thomas Wallace for 64 years, said in a statement read in court that it was “impossible to believe he is not coming back.” She called the act of driving with her husband on the roof and abandoning him “cowardly and cruel,” adding that it was “completely unforgivable.”

The victim’s son, James Wallace, expressed “deep disgust” at the defendants for their “failure to stop and help.” His daughter, Juliet Roma, said her father was treated as “roadkill,” while his youngest son, Peter Wallace, described the incident as leaving a “powerful sense of unfairness” that was “hard to shake.” Peter Wallace also noted that his father had recently recovered from a stroke and was enjoying an active life before the collision.

Sentencing remarks

Judge Smith acknowledged Matraxhiu’s remorse during sentencing but said the act of driving with Wallace on the roof before abandoning the body and the car “aggravates this offending.” The judge did not elaborate on whether the sentence included a driving ban, but such bans are typically imposed in cases of death by dangerous driving.

Kent Police confirmed that the investigation is now closed. The force has not indicated whether any further charges will be brought in connection with the incident. Residents can access the full sentencing remarks and victim impact statements through the Judiciary UK website.

What happens next

Matraxhiu will serve his sentence in a UK prison. The Prison Service has not disclosed where he will be held. Paci, who was released after sentencing, remains subject to the terms of his conviction but is not expected to face further legal proceedings related to this case.

Thomas Wallace’s family may pursue a civil claim for compensation, though no such action has been announced. The Crown Prosecution Service has not indicated whether it will review the case for any additional charges. Kent Police have closed their investigation.