A FRAUD squad detective has earned a commendation from his Chief Constable for cracking a major scam involving work-from-home offers.

Detective Constable Tim Lerner led the investigation that 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 inquiry in March 2000 following complaints to trading standards over adverts placed in various newspapers.

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

But most applicants received nothing, while those who did receive a reply were sent unrelated documents.

The investigation revealed that Richard and Alison Alderson used 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 complainants up to £2 per minute.

Det Con Lerner said it was easily his most difficult case.

"The defendants were very awkward to deal with, and even now, are still unhappy about various aspects of the case," he said.

"From day one, they were persistent complainers to the Chief Constable, their MP and anyone else they could think of."

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

Last week, at a proceeds of crime hearing, Judge George Moorhouse ordered each to pay £18,479 within six months.

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

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