THE devastated best friend of a charity volunteer found stabbed to death in his flat has paid tribute to the serial convict who was 'turning his life around'.
Robert Brown discovered pal Colin Evans, 39, in his home above Sanctus, a café for the homeless, in Broomfield Road, at about 8.30am on Tuesday.
Despite Colin's blighted past living rough on the streets of Chelmsford, and his 80-plus previous convictions, Mr Brown said Colin was finding his feet thanks to the Sanctus accommodation.
"He was a really nice fella," said Mr Brown, 53, of Arnhem Road, Chelmsford, who affectionately describes Colin as a "modern day Fagin".
"He would give you the shirt off his back if you wanted it, if your feet were colder than his he would let you have his socks.
"He was grumpy some days, happy other days but overall a happy-go-lucky type of bloke and he certainly didn't deserve this.
"I'm gutted, absolutely gutted."
Colin, originally from the East End and an ex-Braintree resident, had previous convictions for threatening behaviour, burglary, criminal damage and cannabis possession.
Yet Robert said he had become part of the furniture as a friendly volunteer at Sanctus, leaving his plagued past, much of it spent sleeping rough on the streets, well behind him.
"He'd got over his criminal past," added Mr Brown, who met Colin in Sanctus.
"He had a roof over his head, he was no longer sleeping rough, he was looking for work, he was on his way up.
"He'd finally got himself clear of sleeping rough and he was settling down and being Mr Normal.
"He still looked rough and ready though, he was a modern day Fagin. That's what he looked like, rough around the edges.
"But he never hurt anybody and never meant anybody any harm.
"Sanctus were doing a lot for him, they helped him in a lot of ways, putting a roof over his head, even when they didn't have the flats available for him – he would still be there giving advice to other people sleeping rough."
After discovering Colin's bloodied body, Robert remained in Chelmsford Police Station in New Street until about 5pm helping detectives with their investigation.
"It was just upsetting finding him," he said.
"It was his birthday on Saturday, his 40th, but all those plans for a party, a few drinks with some mates, it's not going to happen.
"I miss him."
Mr Brown has been left caring for Colin's seven-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Sweep, who was also found in the flat.
"It's my mate's dog, I have to look after him," said Mr Brown.
In a statement made on behalf of everyone associated with Sanctus, the charity said it was "shocked and deeply upset by the horrible and brutal murder".
The statement read: "Initially rough around the edges, over time Colin settled and developed friendly banter with everyone.
"He became part of the Sanctus family, he was a selfless volunteer, a cheery face, happily serving teas, running errands, mopping floors, picking up a paintbrush and always offering to help.
"As Sanctus expanded we were able to offer him accommodation and with the stability of a home, friends and hot meals, his personal development and growth was remarkable and exactly the reason why we have continued our service investing in the homeless and those in need, as people like Colin were our inspiration and proof that some people just need a chance and bit of a hand up to flourish, change their lives and contribute to society."
It added: "It is enormously tragic that at a time when Colin was happy, settled and starting to build his life it was so brutally cut short.
"His 40th birthday celebration had been planned for the coming weekend with Sanctus staff.
"We cannot believe that our friend and brother, with such a good heart and such great potential, has been taken, before his time.
"Rest in Peace Colin, you will be sorely missed and always remembered at Sanctus."
A 29-year-old man is still being questioned by police on suspicion of murder while PCs remain manning an area in the car park behind the flat, which also sits behind The Ship pub.
Meanwhile, forensics officers are examining evidence in the Central Park skate park nearby, which is cordoned off.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact detectives at Chelmsford police station on 101.
