In a harrowing incident that has profoundly shaken the community, a 29-year-old driver has been sentenced to nearly ten years in prison for causing the death of an 89-year-old man. Albert Matraxhiu, hailing from Edgware in north London, received a sentence of nine years and ten months at Maidstone Crown Court for his actions on December 29 last year, which not only resulted in the loss of life but also demonstrated a shocking disregard for humanity.
The Incident Unfolded
Matraxhiu was behind the wheel of a grey Mercedes estate when he struck Thomas Wallace, a retired dental surgeon, on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent, at an estimated speed of 76.5 miles per hour. The impact was so severe that Mr Wallace was thrown onto the car’s roof, where he remained for approximately a mile. His lifeless body was later discovered by a postman on Grange Road after Matraxhiu abandoned the vehicle in a secluded area.
Witnesses described the chilling scene, noting how the elderly man was left exposed and vulnerable. In a further act of callousness, Matraxhiu, accompanied by his friend Erald Paci, removed the car’s number plates and attempted to dispose of incriminating evidence, including their clothes and mobile phones.
Attempts to Evade Justice
Both men, who are of Albanian descent, exhibited a blatant attempt to evade the law. Matraxhiu fled to an address in Sheffield shortly after the incident, while Paci, even after the crash, opted to contact the police less than 12 hours later following a media appeal. He reportedly cooperated with authorities, leading them to their route and where the number plates had been discarded.
During the court proceedings, Paci was sentenced to 15 months for perverting the course of justice, although he was released immediately due to time already served. In contrast, Matraxhiu’s actions were characterised as far more egregious.
Sentencing and Family Impact Statements
The court heard emotional victim impact statements that painted a vivid picture of the profound loss felt by Mr Wallace’s family. His wife of 64 years, Angela, expressed her disbelief at his absence, describing the act of leaving him on the road as “cowardly and cruel.” She condemned the manner in which her husband was treated, highlighting the deep sense of loss that now permeates their lives.
Other family members echoed her sentiments. Their son James expressed “deep disgust” at the defendants for failing to stop and assist his father, while daughter Juliet described the experience as treating her dad “like roadkill.” The youngest son, Peter, reflected on the unfairness of the situation, recalling how his father had fought bravely to recover from a recent stroke.
Judge Julian Smith, presiding over the case, acknowledged Matraxhiu’s apparent remorse but pointed out the aggravating circumstances of the crime. He stated, “The fact he drove on with Mr Wallace on the roof
