GALLANTRY and acts of bravery, though important traits for police officers to possess, are by no means the only criteria which help to foil criminals.

Often the somewhat more modest virtues of diligence, creativity and perseverance are equally as useful.

With this in mind, the Chief Constable’s Certificate Of Excellence was this week awarded to erudite Swindon-based financial investigator Tom Phesse for his interpretation of the law during a case concerning a drug trafficker who was found in possession of £12,000 and drugs worth £30,000.

Tom used new legislation under the Proceeds Of Crime Act to detain property for confiscation, the procedure of which was tortuous and had never before been used in Wiltshire.

The defence insisted that confiscation was not appropriate. But Tom persevered and produced an 84-page confiscation paper.

Faced with this undisputable, well presented paper, the defence barrister capitulated and wrote to the Crown Court that “Mr Phesse is correct” and “had trumped the defence.”

Tom described his job role as taking the money off the bad guys.

He said: “When they are sitting in jail, people like me find their assets and the court strips criminals of what they have acquired through crime.”

Tom’s report explained the law relating to “bringing forward” a previous benefit figure, again ground-breaking for Wiltshire.

Although it is venturing into unchartered waters, it remains an excellent example of courage and lawful audacity against some formidable obstacles.

Tom gave evidence in a Crown Court confiscation hearing and the court accepted his unchallenged figures.

The court made a confiscation order with a benefit figure of more than £80,000 and ordered the defendant to pay more than £17,000.

The force decided that the case demonstrated Tom’s outstanding creativity and innovation, along with his knowledge, interpretation of law, administration skills, report writing, and ability to present in Crown Court.

Tom said: “It’s lovely to be given an award.

“I was delighted when I found out.

“I’m very grateful because a lot of people work very hard indeed and it’s nice to be recognised with them.

“People are receiving awards for astonishing levels of bravery – what I call ‘proper stuff.’

“And it’s only right that they should receive public recognition for their work.”