Uproar across US as frat president walks free after alleged rape

There is widespread outrage in the US after an accused rapist walked free of jail time.

Jacob Anderson, a former fraternity president at Baylor University in Texas, was accused of raping a female student in 2016. 

Anderson pleaded guilty to felony unlawful restraint, in return for the dismissal of four counts of sexual assault. 

He will serve three years of probation, pay a US$400 fine and attend counselling. It's possible the entire conviction could be wiped from his record.

The deal has resulted in outrage across US, and petitions have been launched throughout the country

One of these has reached nearly 110,000 signatures. It asks for authorities "respectfully request that the authorities carefully consider the evidence in this case... and reject this plea bargain". 

Comments from those who have signed show the anger over the decision

"I am appalled and just rendered utterly speechless that a guilty rapist is given counselling instead of a proper punishment," one said.

"He should not be allowed freedom for violently ripping away her autonomy. I am disgusted that he is given a 'second chance'. What about hers? What about her life?

"I cannot understand how such a heinous crime can be so blatantly dismissed as if he just slapped someone."

The victim's impact statement highlighted fears that Anderson will repeat his behaviours, a fear that has been reflected in another petition that has sprung out of the announcement of the plea deal.

The second petition is addressed to the University of Texas, asking that they remove Anderson as a student, as Baylor University did following the accusation.

"He submitted a plea of no contest and was sentenced to deferred probation, and will not be made to register as a sex offender," the petition reads.

"That being the case, the [University of Texas] has a responsibility to remove him from this new potential hunting ground."

This petition has received 2483 signatures.

Newshub.