An astrophysics student behaved “like a wild animal”, repeatedly punching a female security guard outside an Aberystwyth nightclub after being refused entry, a court has heard.

Jarrad James Thomas, of 47 Maesmawr, Rhayader, assaulted Fran Richards outside Why Not at the top of Great Darkgate Street where she worked on 12 December, Aberystwyth magistrates heard last Wednesday.

Thomas, 20, who studies astrophysics at Aberystwyth University, punched Ms Richards “four to six times” while she had her back against a wall.

She had refused Thomas entry to the nightclub at around 3.15am as Thomas appeared “heavily intoxicated”.

Thomas became aggressive and launched an attack on Ms Richards, who said it was the worst she had experienced in 15 years on the job.

In a victim impact statement read out to the court, Ms Richards said: “In 15 years I have never been assaulted on this level before.

“I was in complete shock at the amount of aggression.

“He was like a wild animal.”

Police were called and several members of the public were forced to step in and restrain Thomas.

After being taken into custody, a can of pepper spray was discovered in Thomas’s bag – a separate charge to which he also pleaded guilty during the hearing.

The court heard he had bought the pepper spray from a car boot sale but had not used it.

The court heard that Thomas was a “binge drinker”, but that the incident was “completely out of character”.

Thomas is currently receiving treatment for mental health and anxiety issues, and was “very ashamed of his actions”, the court was told.

Thomas was sentenced to a 12-month community order to include 160 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay compensation to Ms Richards of £100, prosecution costs of £85 and a surcharge of £90.

A forfeiture and destruction order was made for the pepper spray.