Best friend pays tribute to tragic Simon

Colin Adwent

CHERISHING her memories of alleged murder victim Simon Amers, the woman who found his body today spoke about her “best friend”.

Although Zyanya Brooks did not want to talk about the moment she discovered Mr Amers at his home in Widgeon Close, Ipswich, last Thursday the 26-year-old told of a man who meant so much to so many.

It is possible Mr Amers' body had been laying at the bottom of his stairs for two days, before he was found. His beloved 10-month-old dog Wolfie had been heard barking by neighbours throughout last Wednesday night.

Mr Amers died from stab wounds to his neck, abdomen and chest.

Miss Brooks, of Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, said: “Simon had lots of qualities. He was a good friend who would do anything for you.

“Simon was a good man and always cheered me up. He was a very spiritual person.

“You could get along with Simon. If people were sitting there by themselves he would say 'why don't you come and join us?'. That's why he had so many friends - he had a good heart.

“He was my best friend. I saw him or spoke to him every day. There was not a day that I didn't hear from him.”

Mr Amers lived alone with the exception of Wolfie, on whom he doted.

Miss Brooks said: “He loved that dog. It was like his little baby.”

None of his friends seem to have heard from Mr Amers after Monday last week. He went out to The Plough public house that evening, but had not been seen after he left the town.

Miss Brooks went round to his house with her spare set of keys, because she could not contact him by text or telephone in the following days.

She said: “I went up there and let myself in and there he was.”

Rodney Greenland, of Manchester Road, Ipswich, appeared before South East Magistrates Court on Saturday morning charged with the murder of Mr Amers between July 27 and 30.

The 46-year-old, who was remanded in custody, will now appear at Ipswich Crown Court on October 16.