Roger Shaw

In his powerful 1987 book, Children of Imprisoned Fathers, Roger Shaw, who has died aged 71, drew attention to the estimated half a million children who suffer the consequences of their fathers going to jail. Part research and part polemic, it reminds us that the casualties of crime are not always apparent, and that their plight is rarely considered. Nor is it of historic interest only; the account of a child attacked by adults because his father was a convicted sex offender is more, rather than less, likely to happen today.

Roger's activities as a young man hold no obvious clue to his later career in the Probation Service, but they do reflect on the inquiring, adventurous aspects of his character. Membership of the Parachute Regiment, copper mining in Zambia and travel in Asia, Africa and Australia all played their part in developing his humane values and respect for all life.

After training as a probation officer, and service in Essex, he gained promotion in Leicestershire; his experience in Leicester prison led him and colleagues to establish a family centre for visiting partners and children. Later, he leapt at the chance of a secondment from the Probation Inspectorate to the Cambridge Institute of Criminology. There can have been few research fellows at the university without even a first degree, but all of Roger's writing demonstrates a keen intellect and respect for academic rigour.

In 1991 he became chief probation officer in Powys, and engrossed in the problems of rural crime. From this arose the Powys Challenge Trust, a charity with the aim of reducing crime in mid-Wales, which continues still.

In retirement Roger became a familiar figure for those establishing Romania's nascent service. He admired the effort and intelligence brought by the young Romanians pioneering probation, and they reciprocated with respect for his gently imparted wisdom.

Aided by their sons Andrew, Martin and Iain, Roger and his wife Enid created a haven of peace and hospitality in their Welsh farmhouse. During his long illness Roger was still welcoming visitors there with his characteristic warmth, courtesy and astute inquiries about the world.
