Daughter's grief after father's death

GRIEVING Rebekha Haddon-Amers today told of her pain following the alleged murder of her father at his Ipswich home.

Simon Amers' body was discovered laying at the bottom of his stairs in Widgeon Close, Chantry at around 3.15pm on July 30.

A post mortem showed the 36-year-old died from stab wounds to his neck, chest and abdomen.

Although his relationship with Rebekha was a fractured one, they loved each other nonetheless.

Mr Amers moved to Ipswich from Humberside around ten years ago, while his daughter remained in east Yorkshire.

Now in an e-mail to The Evening Star she has revealed her despair that time ran out before they could rekindle their relationship.

Miss Haddon-Amers, who lives in Goole, wrote: “I was deeply hurt and sorry to find out about my father's death.

“I just wish I could have got to know him more, but I always thought time would be on our side, and when we were ready to have a relationship we could have.

“But it just goes to show how short life can be. R.I.P dad, love Becky.”

Earlier this month Mr Amers' friend Talaya Griffin, of Coronation Road, Ipswich, said despite having relatively little contact with his daughter - who is believed to be aged around 20 - he cared deeply for her.

Ms Griffin said: “Simon loved his daughter very much. He adored her. He always made it clear to her that if she ever needed him she knew where he was.”

Mr Amers was a familiar figure in the pubs and clubs of Ipswich where he would chat to everyone.

In tributes, those who knew him well have spoken of his ability to make friends easily.

He was last seen in Ipswich town centre on the Monday night before his body was found at the home he shared with his dog Wolfie.

Friends believe he went to The Plough public house in Dog's Head Street.

Although he had a daughter, Mr Amers was openly gay.

He was said to have come to Suffolk from Hull after the death of his mother. Mr Amers closest relative in Suffolk is an auntie, who lives in Ipswich.

A hair stylist by trade he worked at salons in the town's Nacton Road and St Helen's Street.

Mr Amers' had not worked anywhere else for around a year, although he did continue to style hair for his friends.

AN Ipswich man has appeared before a judge charged with murder.

No plea was entered by 46-year-old Rodney Greenland, of Manchester Road, who was charged on July 31 with the murder of Simon Amers, 36.

A date is yet to be set for trial but Judge Neil Mckittrick yesterday remanded Greenland in custody at Ipswich Crown Court until Friday, October 2, for a first hearing.

Greenland will then be asked to enter a plea in relation to the charges brought following his arrest a short time after the body of Mr Amers was discovered at his home in Widgeon Close.