WHEN Kerry Jennings came across her dead friend's body, the very least she wanted to do was take care of his dog, whose distressed barking had alerted neighbours to the crime scene.

IPSWICH: When Kerry Jennings arrived at the scene of her friend's death, the very least she wanted to do was take care of his dog, whose distressed barking had prompted a murder investigation.

The 27-year-old agreed to look after Wolfie permanently - but now she faces losing her home after complaints about the puppy's behaviour.

Ipswich Borough Council has taken action by issuing a noise abatement notice after a neighbour claimed the dog's barking was causing a nuisance.

If she breaches the notice, Miss Jennings could be evicted from the home she shares with her boyfriend, Christopher Harvey, 24, in Sheldrake Drive, on the town's Chantry estate.

In July last year, Miss Jennings had been called to the house of alleged murder victim Simon Amers shortly after his body was discovered.

It is believed the 36-year-old hairstylist's corpse had been lying at the bottom of his stairs for two days, with his beloved dog Wolfie by his side.

Miss Jennings said: “I wanted to do all I could to be there for my friend at such a harsh and cruel time. I got in touch with Simon's family and it was decided that I would take permanent ownership of the dog as none of his family were in a position to have him and because I was the only other person Simon allowed to walk him.

“I don't see why I should be made homeless for caring enough to be there for my friend at such a bad time.”

She said Wolfie, a terrier cross, only behaves in a distressed way when the couple are out - a problem she believes is caused by the fact he was left alone with his owner's body.

She added: “Having been through what he has. He doesn't like to be left.”

Miss Jennings, who is pregnant with her first child, said she wants to work with the council and the RSPCA to find a way of keeping Wolfie.

She said: “With everything he has been through, we wouldn't want to give him to someone else. He is happy here.”

An officer from Ipswich Borough Council was due to meet Miss Jennings today to see what can be done to resolve the situation.

A spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council said: “We are aware of the circumstances surrounding this case, but we have to take into account any noise nuisance caused to neighbours. We do not take these decisions lightly and we will be meeting with Miss Jennings to discuss the situation.”

Should Miss Jennings be punished for Wolfie's behaviour? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

MURDER-accused Rodney Greenland is due to stand trial next month over the alleged killing of Simon Amers.

Mr Amers is said to have died from stab wounds to his neck, abdomen and chest between July 27 and 30 last year.

Greenland, 46, of Manchester Road, Ipswich, is set to appear at Ipswich Crown Court, on February 8. He is remanded in custody until that date.