A KIND-hearted Felixstowe shop owner has played Good Samaritan after replacing for free a man's fish tank that was broken during an attack at his home.

A KIND-hearted Felixstowe shop owner has played Good Samaritan after replacing for free a man's fish tank that was broken during an attack at his home.

Sonia Mayes, 36, who runs Felixstowe Aquatics, in Grange Road, Felixstowe, said she was so touched by the man's situation that she wanted to do a good turn.

The fish tank was broken following a scuffle that broke out at Wayne Whittingstall's home after his former flatmate returned to the property in a bid to collect some possessions.

South East Magistrates' Court heard how Robert Ward of Margaret Street, Felixstowe punched and headbutted Mr Whittingstall during the visit last month.

A television and portable heater were also broken during the fight which Ward alleged broke out after the victim accused him of burglary. Ward denied burgling Mr Whittingstall.

Ward, 24, who was jailed for four weeks said he was drunk at the time of the offence. He also admitted stealing £15 from another man who let him into his home on the same night after Ward knocked on his door.

Ms Mayes said she was approached by a police officer following the incident who asked for help because the fish tank had smashed and there were fish all over the floor.

She said: “I gave them a new fish tank and told them to take the pump out of the old one.

“It's not nice for that to happen.

“It was upsetting that this happened for him so I decided to replace it for him.”

The cost of the replacement tank came to £80.

Mr Whittingstall said: “I'm very glad to have been given the fish tank - over the moon.

“I like my fish.”

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