Alleged murder victim 'a big loss'

Colin Adwent

A KIND soul, with a big heart is how Nicky Brown will always remember alleged murder victim Simon Amers.

Miss Brown today said the 36-year-old, whose body was found at his home in Widgeon Close, Ipswich, was her salvation when her life was troubled.

The 31-year-old credits the former hair stylist for saving her life and said he gave her somewhere to stay when she had nowhere to go.

The pair shared Mr Amers' home when he lived at his previous address in Bond Street, Ipswich, just under three years ago.

Miss Brown, now of Trimley St Martin, near Felixstowe, said: “I was homeless and met him through mutual friends. I had nowhere to stay and he took me in and saved my life really. It was just getting worse and worse.

“We would stay up for hours chatting about all sorts of things. Simon was just easy to talk to and get along with. He said my life reminded him of his mum's.”

Miss Brown recalled the harmless fun they had when she and Mr Amers, who was gay, used to walk through Ipswich.

She said: “We used to walk through the town together looking at cute guys and be bickering about who was the cutest.

“Being with Simon was uplifting for me and gave me strength.”

After around a year together they went their separate ways. Although the lost touch a little, Miss Brown said Mr Amers meant so much to her.

“His death is such a big loss even though I didn't have much contact with him lately.

“I got his phone number a couple of weeks ago and kept meaning to ring, but I had been busy working.

“I regret not calling him to say 'I love you'.”

Among the other tributes which have been paid by friends of Mr Amers was one from Dan and Sarah Turner.

The couple said: “To us he was Si the Stylist, a larger-than-life character who loved to chat and of course always laugh a lot.

“We met Simon as customers of a salon on Nacton Road and kept in touch once he'd left.

“We subsequently had haircuts at our house which almost always became a social event.

“Simon loved clothes and often pestered to try on Sarah's stilettos. We even paid him with two very dapper trilbies once.

“A truly lovely and very genuine person who would always light up the room he was in. We'll remember the happy times.”

Another friend to pay tribute was Maria Snell of Shackleton Square, Ipswich.

She said: “He was a lovely person the life and soul of the party and such fun to be with. He will indeed be sadly missed.”

Someone else who knew Mr Amers was Matthew Clarke, who e-mailed The Evening Star with the following tribute.

“Si, Unfortunately I didn't get to know you all that well. I can't believe what has happened.

“I really enjoyed the few times we shared, Rest in peace. You are very special.”

Rodney Greenland, 46, of Manchester Road, Ipswich was charged with Mr Amers' murder after his body was found last Thursday afternoon.

Greenland is remanded in custody until the next hearing of his case at Ipswich Crown Court on October 16.