Logan • A former Utah State University student accused of sexually assaulting another student has been sentenced to six months in jail.

The Herald Journal reports Scott R. Simmons was sentenced to 180 days on Monday after pleading guilty to forcible sexual abuse. The woman told a judge she knew him for a few minutes but he altered her life forever.

The two met at a fraternity party in 2015 and exchanged numbers. Prosecutors say he contacted her later that night, and raped her as they walked through a dark part of campus.

Simmons had faced a rape charge, but pleaded guilty to the lesser of two counts in an agreement with prosecutors.

Judge Kevin Allen said Simmons is indebted to the woman for approving the deal that helped him avoid possible prison time.