Hit-and-run killer admits more serious charge

A motorist has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after hitting and killing an 89-year-old man.

Albert Matraxhiu, 29, of Edgware, north London, struck retired dental surgeon Thomas Wallace and drove off with him on top of his vehicle just after 12:00 GMT on 29 December, in Gads Hill, near Gillingham, Kent.

Wallace was found in Grange Road, almost a mile from where he was hit, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

At Maidstone Crown Court on Friday Matraxhiu had admitted a lesser charge of causing death by careless driving but changed his plea on Monday.

Wallace's family previously called the great-grandfather a "respected and loved member of the community".

Matraxhiu, of Edgware in North London, previously admitted intending to pervert the course of justice, alongside Erald Paci, 29, from Chatham.

Matraxhiu has also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving other than in accordance with a licence, and failing to stop after an accident.

The Crown Prosecution Service's Sarah Wilkinson, said: "Since the case was first submitted to us, the Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with our police colleagues to build the strongest possible case against both defendants.

"In the end, this left Matraxhiu with no option but to plead guilty to all the charges against him just over a month after the collision took place."

Both defendants will be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 20 March.