Prisoner released early under government scheme assaulted ex-partner the day after he was freed
24 January 2025, 20:39 | Updated: 24 January 2025, 23:10
A former actor who was released from prison in error as part of the early release scheme has been convicted of assaulting his ex-partner the day after he was freed.
Jason Hoganson, who starred in the 1987 film Empire State, was one of around 1,700 prisoners who walked free on 10 September 2024 as part of the government's plan to ease overcrowding in prisons.
However, the 53-year-old was actually one of 37 inmates who were released by mistake when the scheme was rolled out.
Despite being released early in error in September, it is understood Hoganson is likely to have been released a few days later anyway under the terms of his original sentence.
Heavily-tattooed Hoganson was photographed giving a thumbs up as he left HMP Durham after serving half of an 18-month sentence for assaulting his ex-partner Rachel Usher and breaching a restraining order.
He was arrested in Newcastle's West End the following day after going to Ms Usher's flat and slapping her.
Ms Usher "very sadly passed away" after Hoganson was returned to custody, a court heard.
Her cause of death has not been reported but there is no suggestion it is linked to Hoganson.
The former actor was found guilty on Friday of assaulting Ms Usher and two counts of breaching a restraining order by visiting her home on 11 September 2024 and writing her a letter from prison a week earlier.
Hoganson was removed from Newcastle Crown Court in the middle of his evidence after he started shouting obscenities at prosecutor Lisa Callum, and was not present to hear the verdict.
A statement from Ms Usher read by Ms Callum said the two had been in a relationship for about six years and Hoganson "used to hit me all the time".
The statement said: "I'm aware he was released two days ago - earlier than he should have been."
Ms Usher said she was leaving her flat to go to the shops on 11 September and was waiting for a lift when she saw Hoganson running towards her.
She said: "He opened the door of the stairwell and slapped me across the side of my face.
"He was shouting and bawling and seemed really angry. He called me a slut and said there was someone in my flat.
"He said 'can we go somewhere' and when I said 'no' he got even more angry."
Ms Usher said she called the police and Hoganson started to hit his head on an electrical box on the wall.
Her statement read: "I do not have any injuries but the slap was powerful. There was a lot of force behind it."
Ms Usher also described how receiving the prison letter, where Hoganson told her he loved her, made "me feel horrible and sick inside".
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Hoganson denied the offences, claiming he went to the block of flats to get his belongings from a man who lived five floors above Ms Usher.
He said he went to get the lift back to the ground floor and saw Ms Usher when it stopped on her floor.
Hoganson told the court: "Obviously she panicked. She came straight for me and went to attack me. I've moved out of the way down the stairs. I've never attacked Rachel.
"I never even spoke to her, I just wanted to get out of there."
Defence lawyer Mark Styles said the defendant had been "unable to process" the death of Ms Usher because he has been in custody, and had experienced a deterioration in his mental health.
He is due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 25 February.
(c) Sky News 2025: Prisoner released early under government scheme assaulted ex-partner the day after he was freed
