A judge required to sentence a man who started fighting during his own engagement celebrations has been prompted to ask, “What is going on in Aberystwyth?”

Judge Geraint Walters, once a student at the university’s law school, said he thought “something odd” was happening there.

He told Swansea Crown Court that he had never been conscious of crime happening while he had been there, apart from “maybe a student taking a bottle of milk”.

Barristers for both the prosecution and defence had also attended Aberystwyth University.

“We never experienced this type of behaviour," he added. "The place is full of drugs, by the look of it.

“And there are many incomers bringing trouble with them. Maybe its a sign of the times."

Judge Walters, who said he had dealt with several cases from Aberystwyth in recent weeks, also praised the police in “their relentless pursuit of those who would tarnish the reputation of that university town”.

The comments came as Judge Walters sentenced Nathan David Edwards, 25, of 28 Maeshendre, Waunfawr, who had admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Nicola Powell, prosecuting, said on 11 November last year Edwards had been out celebrating his engagement to Catrin Jones.

They emerged from Pier Pressure on Marine Terrace at 4.30am and Edwards helped her take her shoes off.

Miss Powell said a group of youths in a bus shelter thought he was being abusive towards her and confronted Edwards.

A vicious fight followed which resulted in all the males involved being taken to Bronglais Hospital for treatment, including Edwards who had been “bottled” to the chest.

Also injured was Oscar Holmes, who Edwards had hit on the head with the heel of his fiancée's shoe.

Edwards’ barrister, Ian Wright, said he now accepted he had acted badly and had marred his own engagement celebration.

Edwards was made the subject of a 12-month community order and told to complete 20 days of a rehabilitation activity and to pay £390 in court and prosecution costs.