A BENEFIT cheat who fraudulently claimed more than £12,000 of taxpayers' cash lavished money on souping up his car, a court heard.

But Llewellyn Anthony Luce, aged 28, of Bythway Road, Pontypool, was trapped after police were tipped off that his Citroen Saxo VTR was featured in a car enthusiasts' magazine.

Cardiff crown court was told Luce bought the Saxo in March 2003, and a year later it featured in Revs magazine, devoted to highly modified cars. It was fitted with a £2,000 entertainment system including a Playstation and television, and sprayed with "flip-paint", which appears to change colour in different lights, which also cost £2,000. Luce also had a personalised number-plate.

An expert who examined the Saxo found it was worth £12,500. The unmodified version was worth £4,000.

"It didn't seem possible that somebody who was claiming income support and benefits would be able to modify a vehicle to the extent seen in the magazine," said prosecutor Elizabeth Pearson.

Luce also bought two Vauxhall Astras, which were both highly modified. "He was clearly leading a lifestyle which far outstripped his legitimate means," said Miss Pearson.

"He was taking advantage of money provided by the Department of Work and Pensions and Torfaen county borough council in order to fund a lavish lifestyle."

While Luce was claiming £6,167 income support, £5,191 housing benefit and £1,000 council tax relief, he was either running his own car valeting business or buying and selling cars, the court heard.

When police raided his home, garage and business premises they found electrical goods, keys for three cars and three motorbikes, a luxury TV, DVD player and games console.

They also found 36 grams of cannabis resin, the court heard. Between 2002 and his arrest in May last year, police found he spent £47,413 and ran up bills of £300 a month on his mobile phone. His income from benefits during that time was just £9,000.

When he was interviewed, Luce claimed friends and relatives bought him presents and paid some bills, while the cars were partly modified before he bought them.

He admitted three offences of making false representations, two of obtaining money by deception, and possessing cannabis resin with intent to supply.

Sentencing was adjourned.