A FRAUD squad detective has earned a commendation from his chief constable for cracking a work-from-home offer scam.

Detective Constable Tim Lerner led the inquiries which resulted in the conviction of a Chester-le-Street couple at the centre of the fraud, which claimed almost 16,000 victims across the country.

He took up the investigation in March 2000 following complaints to trading standards over adverts placed by the couple in various newspapers.

Readers were invited to send an administration fee of between £20 and £35 to begin work from home filling envelopes.

Most applicants received nothing in return, while those that did receive a reply were sent unrelated and valueless documents.

The investigation revealed that husband and wife Richard and Alison Alderson were using various forwarding addresses to make it impossible for people to complain.

They also set up a premium rate telephone line, connected to an answering service, which charged up to £2 per minute.

Det Con Lerner, 43, described it as his most difficult case with the evidence being compiled despite the couple's unhelpful attitude.

He said: "The defendants were very awkward to deal with, and even now, are still unhappy about various aspects of the case. From day one they were persistent complainers to the Chief Constable, their MP and anyone else they could think of." Despite attempts to hinder the inquiry, more than 200 witness statements were collected from across the country.

Earlier this year the couple pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud at Teesside Crown Court.

Mr Alderson, 32, was jailed for three-and-a-half years, while his wife, 35, received a two-year sentence, suspended for two years.

At a proceeds of crime hearing last month the couple were ordered to pay £18,479 within six months.

The figure is made up of a half share of both the £36,622 equity on their house, in Briarhill Close, Chester-le-Street, and the £336 in their bank account.

Det Con Lerner was praised by the Judge, George Moorhouse, and Durham's Chief Constable, Paul Garvin, has now added his own accolade, recognising his 'lengthy and detailed' inquiries in successfully putting together the case.