A SOLDIER who dressed as a military policeman to gain access to Aberystwyth University and his former girlfriend has been jailed for 30 months.

Conner Jones, 19, was armed with a Heckler and Koch pistol and had fake ID but security staff refused to allow him into Block 19 at the Penglais campus.

Swansea Crown Court heard he had been trying to get to the student, who he had been stalking for more than a year.

Jones admitted stalking by carrying out a series of acts and possessing a firearm and an extendable baton in a public place.

He also admitted sending her unwanted text messages, following her and repeatedly parking close to her accommodation.

Ian Wright, prosecuting, said Jones, of Twyn Gwyn Farm Lane, Mynydd Islwyn, Caerphilly, had been in a relationship with the student for more than a year.

But after they broke up in 2016 he began to stalk her, which included accessing her social media accounts and following her in his car.

Jones later joined the Army and the victim began a degree course in Aberystwyth.

Jones’ barrister, Harry Baker, said his client had been showing off “immaturely.”

Judge Geraint Walters said: “I think there is something more sinister about this offending. It is truly troubling that he acquired ammunition for that gun.”

Judge Walters issued a restraining order banning Jones from contacting his victim.