Heartbroken family pays tribute to granddad, 89, ‘dragged a mile after hit and run’

The family of an 89-year-old man who was killed in a hit-and-run just days after Christmas have paid tribute to a ‘loved’ grandfather.

Tom Wallace died after he was struck by a grey Mercedes estate at around 12.10pm on Monday, December 29, 2025 on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent.

He was carried on top of the car for a mile.

The vehicle continued and was later found in Eastcourt Lane, where the two occupants had left on foot, police said. 

Mr Wallace was treated by South East Coast Ambulance Service but was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a tribute, the victim’s heartbroken family said: ‘Tom Wallace. L.D.S, R.C.S. Eng. had been a dental surgeon in the Medway Towns for all his working life.

‘He had been married for 63 years, was a father of three, a grandfather of four, and recently a great grandfather.

‘He loved his family dearly and was loved by them in return. He sailed his boat up and down the east coast, and across the Channel to France, usually single-handed.

‘For years he was a bell-ringer at the church on Gillingham Green. He was a Samaritan for many years, raised money for the NSPCC and undertook several European cycling tours to raise funds for Marie Curie.

‘He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this. 

‘The residents and postman who tried to help in Grange Road were compassionate and kind. Our thanks and appreciation go out to them.’

Two men have now appeared in court following the incident.

Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Edgware, north London, has been charged with death by dangerous driving, intention to pervert the course of justice, driving with no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a license, failure to stop after an accident, and failure to report an accident.

Erald Paci, 29, of Chatham, Kent, has been charged with intention to pervert the course of justice.

The men, who police said are both Albanian nationals, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Victoria McGrady, prosecuting, said the vehicle’s front and rear number plates were removed and disposed of after the collision.

The defendants were remanded in custody by Judge Stephen Leake and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on January 30.

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