Driver admits killing man, 89, in hit-and-run

A driver has pleaded guilty to causing the death of an 89-year-old man after hitting him with his car and driving off with him on top of the vehicle.

Albert Matraxhiu, 29, hit retired dental surgeon Thomas Wallace just after 12:00 GMT on 29 December, in Gads Hill near Gillingham, Kent.

He has admitted causing death by careless driving, but denied the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Wallace's family had previously said in a tribute the great-grandfather was a "respected and loved member of the community".

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

A hearing at Maidstone Crown Court was told that Wallace was found in Grange Road, almost a mile from where he was hit, and died at the scene.

Matraxhiu will stand trial for causing death by dangerous driving on 13 July.

He is also charged with driving with no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, failure to stop after an accident, and failure to report an accident.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.