Edgware Driver Jailed for Nine Years After Killing Pedestrian in Kent Crash

A driver from Edgware has been jailed for nearly a decade after killing an 89-year-old pedestrian in a high-speed crash in Kent. Albert Matraxhiu, 29, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 29 July 2026 to nine years and 10 months for causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

The court heard that Matraxhiu struck retired dental surgeon Thomas Wallace on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham at an estimated 76.5mph on 29 December 2025. Witnesses reported seeing Wallace thrown onto the roof of the grey Mercedes estate Matraxhiu was driving. His body remained there for about a mile before it was dislodged in Grange Road.

Fleeing the Scene

After the collision, Matraxhiu and his passenger, Erald Paci, 30, abandoned the vehicle in a rural location. They removed the number plates, disposed of their clothes, and discarded their mobile phones. Matraxhiu, who was driving without insurance or a licence, fled to Sheffield before being apprehended.

Paci contacted police less than 12 hours after the crash following a media appeal. He was interviewed within 24 hours and cooperated by showing officers the route taken and where the number plates were left. Both men pleaded guilty earlier this year.

Paci was sentenced to 15 months for perverting the course of justice but was released immediately after the hearing due to time already served on remand.

Family Statements

Wallace’s family delivered impact statements in court, describing the incident as cowardly and cruel. His widow, Angela Wallace, who was married to him for 64 years, said the manner of his death was unforgivable. She condemned the act of driving with his body on the roof and abandoning him.

Their son, James Wallace, expressed deep disgust at the defendants’ failure to stop and assist. Daughter Juliet Roma said her father was treated as though he were roadkill. The youngest son, Peter Wallace, described the terror of not knowing his father’s fate immediately after the crash.

Police Response

Kent Police detective inspector Zoe Wilczek said Matraxhiu’s actions had shocked the local community. She described his attempts to evade capture as deliberate and calculated, reflecting poor character. Wilczek added that the sentence should bring a sense of justice to those who knew Wallace.

Judge Julian Smith, sentencing Matraxhiu, acknowledged his remorse but said driving on with Wallace’s body on the roof before abandoning it aggravated the offence. The judge noted that family statements had painted a picture of Wallace as a man who lived a full and joyful life.

What Happens Next

Matraxhiu will serve his sentence in prison. It is unclear whether he will face any further legal consequences related to driving without insurance or a licence. Kent Police have not indicated any additional investigations into the incident.

Wallace’s family may pursue a civil claim for compensation, though no details have been disclosed. The case has been closed by Kent Police following the sentencing.