AN OFFENDER turned probation worker from Hampshire has been recognised at a national awards ceremony for turning his back on crime.

Aaron McCabe from Southampton, who was released from prison in 2013, won the award for Fairness, Decency and Respect at this year’s Probation Awards.

He was nominated by his caseworker and is now working as a health trainer for the Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC).

After being released from custody in 2013, Aaron began to make changes to his life, including volunteering for a number of training programmes.

He role now is helping to improve ex-offender’s lives, including encouraging those in his care to use their time productively, overcome depression or alcohol dependence.

The Probation Awards celebrate those individuals who put in the extra dedication, passion and understanding to their jobs to turn their lives around.

The award for Fairness, Decency and Respect is given to those who have benefited the service user, their families or the victim. This category also recognises staff for their work in relation to diversity and equality.

Prisons and probation minister Sam Gyimah said: “I want to congratulate Aaron for his dedication to Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.

“It is vital that we celebrate the committed staff in the prison and probation service who on a daily basis go above and beyond to help reduce the risk of reoffending and to work in what can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding environment.”

Michael Spurr, chief executive of HMPPS, said: “I want to thank all staff working in probation and prisons for the amazing work they do on a daily basis.

“Our nominees represent the best of a service where dedicated professionals go the extra mile everyday day to keep the public safe and to reduce reoffending.

“These awards recognise work that so often goes unseen but is vitally important.”