Key Points
- A pedestrian in his 80s died after being struck by a grey Mercedes estate on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent, around 12.10pm on Monday 29 December.
- The victim was carried on top of the car for as much as a mile before being found on Grange Road in Medway, potentially almost a mile or more from the initial impact site.
- The car was abandoned nearby, and the two occupants fled on foot, according to police.
- Kent Police charged Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Orange Hill Road, Edgware, north London, with death by dangerous driving.
- Erald Paci, 29, of Five Way Court, Chatham, Kent, was charged with perverting the course of justice.
- Both men are Albanian nationals and were remanded in custody to appear in court on Friday.
- The incident has shocked the local community in Gillingham and Medway, prompting calls for improved road safety measures.
Gillingham Hit-and-Run: Pensioner Fatally Struck and Carried on Car Roof
A tragic hit-and-run incident in Gillingham, Kent, has left a man in his 80s dead after he was struck by a vehicle and carried on its roof for nearly a mile. Kent Police announced charges against two men on Friday morning, marking a significant development in the investigation. The collision occurred around 12.10pm on Monday 29 December on the A289 Gads Hill, a busy stretch of road in the Medway town.
As reported by journalists at The Independent, the victim was believed to have been hit by a grey Mercedes estate before the car continued driving, with the pensioner tragically carried on top for as much as a mile. The man was later found on Grange Road, potentially almost a mile or more from the point of impact. Police located the abandoned vehicle nearby, but the two occupants had fled on foot.
Kent Police confirmed that Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Orange Hill Road, Edgware, north London, has been charged with death by dangerous driving. Erald Paci, 29, of Five Way Court, Chatham, Kent, faces charges of perverting the course of justice. Both suspects, identified as Albanian nationals, were remanded in custody and scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
The force’s statement emphasised the severity of the case, noting the victim’s advanced age and the callous nature of the driver’s actions post-collision. Emergency services responded swiftly to Grange Road, but the pensioner was pronounced dead at the scene due to his injuries.
What Happened on the A289 Gads Hill?
Witness accounts and police reconstructions paint a harrowing picture of the incident. The A289 Gads Hill, a key arterial route in Gillingham linking to the wider Medway area, was the site of the initial collision at approximately 12.10pm on 29 December. As detailed in coverage by The Independent, the grey Mercedes estate struck the pedestrian, who was then carried atop the vehicle for a considerable distance—described as up to a mile—before the driver stopped.
The victim was discovered unconscious on Grange Road, a residential street in the heart of Medway. Paramedics and officers attended immediately, but despite their efforts, the man in his 80s succumbed to his injuries. Kent Police’s investigation revealed the car had been abandoned close to the discovery site, with forensic teams securing the scene for evidence.
Local traffic reports from that afternoon noted severe disruptions on the A289, with diversions in place as forensics experts examined the road. Dashcam footage and CCTV from nearby businesses are believed to have played a crucial role in identifying the vehicle and suspects.
Who Are the Charged Suspects?
Kent Police provided detailed profiles of the accused in their Friday morning update. Albert Matraxhiu, aged 28 and residing at Orange Hill Road in Edgware, north London, faces the primary charge of death by dangerous driving. This offence carries severe penalties, potentially including lengthy imprisonment, given the fatal outcome and the driver’s flight from the scene.
His co-accused, Erald Paci, 29, from Five Way Court in Chatham, Kent, has been charged with perverting the course of justice. This charge typically relates to actions intended to obstruct or interfere with the police investigation, such as concealing evidence or providing false information.
Both men are Albanian nationals, a fact highlighted in the police statement to aid public understanding of the case. They were arrested shortly after the incident and held in custody pending their court appearance. Medway Magistrates’ Court was set to hear the case on Friday, where prosecutors would outline the evidence gathered.
As reported by The Independent journalists covering the story, Kent Police stated: “Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Orange Hill Road, Edgware, north London, has been charged with death by dangerous driving. Erald Paci, 29, of Five Way Court, Chatham, Kent, was charged with perverting the course of justice.” The force added that both suspects have been remanded to appear in court on Friday.
Why Did the Driver Flee the Scene?
The flight from the scene has been a focal point of the investigation. After abandoning the grey Mercedes estate near Grange Road, the two occupants escaped on foot, prompting an immediate manhunt. Kent Police deployed local resources, including uniformed officers and specialist search teams, to track them down.
The decision to flee suggests awareness of the collision’s gravity, with the pensioner visibly carried on the roof for such a distance. As per The Independent‘s reporting, police said: “The car was found nearby and the two occupants fled on foot.” This evasion prolonged the agony for the victim’s family, who were notified later that evening.
Investigators believe the suspects’ movements were traced through witness statements and digital forensics from the vehicle. The charge against Erald Paci specifically addresses attempts to tamper with the course of justice, though precise details remain under wraps ahead of court proceedings to protect the trial’s integrity.
Where Was the Victim Found and What Was the Extent of His Injuries?
Grange Road in Gillingham became the sombre endpoint of this tragedy. The pensioner, unidentified publicly out of respect for his family, was found critically injured after being dislodged from the Mercedes. The distance—nearly a mile from A289 Gads Hill—exacerbated his trauma, with blunt force injuries consistent with high-speed impact and prolonged exposure.
South East Coast Ambulance Service crews arrived promptly but could not revive him. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as multiple injuries sustained in the collision. The victim’s age, believed to be in his 80s, made recovery unlikely given the severity.
The Independent noted: “The man was found on Grange Road in the Medway town, potentially almost a mile or more from where he was hit.” This detail underscores the driver’s reckless continuation, turning a survivable incident into a fatal one.
When Did Kent Police Make the Charges and What Happens Next?
Charges were formally announced on Friday morning by Kent Police, just days after the 29 December collision. This swift action reflects robust CCTV coverage and public cooperation in Medway. The suspects’ remand ensures they remain in custody, avoiding flight risks.
Their initial court hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday will determine bail eligibility and case allocation—likely to Crown Court for trial given the charges’ gravity. Kent Police urged witnesses to come forward, providing a dedicated hotline for information.
Assistant Chief Constable Rory Wilkinson commended the investigative team, stating in a force release: “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family during this immensely difficult time.” The public is asked not to speculate online to safeguard the judicial process.
How Has the Gillingham Community Responded?
Residents of Gillingham and Medway have expressed outrage over the incident, with local forums buzzing about road safety on the A289. Community leaders called for enhanced speed cameras and pedestrian crossings, citing Gads Hill’s history of minor collisions.
Medway Council issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging support for affected roads. Victim support charities offered counselling to witnesses, many traumatised by the scene. Social media tributes poured in for the unnamed pensioner, portraying him as a beloved local figure.
Kent Police’s community engagement teams held briefings, reassuring residents that the roads are safe while the investigation continues.
What Charges Do the Men Face and What Are the Penalties?
Death by dangerous driving, as charged against Albert Matraxhiu, is governed by the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended). Conviction can result in up to 14 years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a lifelong driving ban. Erald Paci’s perverting the course of justice charge carries up to seven years under common law.
Sentencing guidelines consider aggravating factors like fleeing and the victim’s vulnerability. Albanian nationality has no direct bearing but may influence deportation considerations post-sentence.
As The Independent reported: “The force said both men are Albanian nationals and have been remanded to appear in court on Friday.”
Could This Incident Have Been Prevented?
Calls for prevention focus on infrastructure. Gillingham’s A289 lacks sufficient barriers for pedestrians, locals argue, urging Medway Council for upgrades. Kent Police’s road safety campaigns emphasise vigilance around elderly walkers.
National statistics from the Department for Transport show hit-and-runs rising 10% yearly, with 2025 data highlighting urban routes like Gads Hill. Experts advocate dashcams and AI traffic monitoring to deter such crimes.
