A LONG association with St Albans where he went to school has come to an end with the death of Sir Denys Tudor Emil Roberts.

Sir Denys, who died last month at the age of 90, served as attorney general, chief secretary and chief justice of colonial Hong Kong during a period of rapid change both economically and socially.

The son of a barrister, as a boy he went to Lyndale School in St Albans followed by Aylesford House – both of which no longer exist – and then on to Aldenham School in Borehamwood before studying law at Oxford.

His sister Thelma, who still lives in St Albans, said he retained his strong links with the city, particularly St Albans Cricket Club, where he was a president.

He was also president of the MCC and on the day of his funeral, the flag over Lords was flown at half mast.

Describing her brother as unassuming, Miss Roberts said he and his family visited St Albans regularly and spent vacations in the city.

During a glittering career which saw him sit on the bench in various countries across the world, Sir Denys was the only person to serve both as head of Hong Kong’s civil service and subsequently head of its judiciary.

He made his home in Norfolk when he retired and was married twice. He leaves two sons and a daughter.