A former performer who was mistakenly released from prison as part of an early discharge initiative has been found guilty of assaulting his former partner the day following his liberation.
Jason Hoganson, who featured in the 1987 film Empire State, was among approximately 1,700 inmates who were set free on 10 September 2024 in an effort by the government to alleviate prison overcrowding.
However, the 53-year-old was among 37 inmates who were released erroneously when the program was implemented.
Even though Hoganson was released prematurely in September, it is believed he would have been liberated several days later under the terms of his original sentence.
Tattooed extensively, Hoganson was photographed giving a thumbs-up as he departed HMP Durham after completing half of an 18-month sentence for assaulting his former partner Rachel Usher and violating a restraining order.
He was apprehended the next day in Newcastle’s West End after visiting Ms. Usher’s residence and striking her.
The court heard that Ms. Usher “tragically passed away” following Hoganson’s return to custody.
The specifics of her death have not been disclosed, but there is no indication that it is connected to Hoganson.
The ex-actor was convicted on Friday of assaulting Ms. Usher and two charges of violating a restraining order by visiting her residence on 11 September 2024 and sending her a letter from custody a week prior.
Hoganson was escorted out of Newcastle Crown Court during his testimony after he erupted in profanity directed at prosecutor Lisa Callum and was not present to hear the ruling.
A statement from Ms. Usher, conveyed by Ms. Callum, indicated that the couple had been together for approximately six years and that Hoganson “frequently hit me”.
The statement expressed, “I am aware he was released two days ago – earlier than he ought to have been.”
Ms. Usher recounted that she was leaving her residence to shop on 11 September and was awaiting an elevator when she saw Hoganson sprinting toward her.
She stated: “He opened the door to the staircase and slapped me on the side of my face.”
“He was yelling and seemed extremely furious. He called me a slut and claimed someone was in my apartment.”
“He asked ‘can we go somewhere?’ and when I responded ‘no,’ he became even angrier.”
Ms. Usher indicated that she called the police as Hoganson began striking his head against an electrical box on the wall.
Her statement added: “I do not have any injuries, but the slap was forceful. There was significant strength behind it.”
Ms. Usher also conveyed how receiving the letter from prison, in which Hoganson professed his love for her, made her “feel horrible and sick inside”.
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Pic: PA
Hoganson denied the charges, explaining that he had gone to the apartment complex to retrieve his belongings from a person residing five floors above Ms. Usher.
He claimed he intended to take the elevator back to the ground level and encountered Ms. Usher when it halted on her floor.
Hoganson told the court: “She evidently panicked, charging at me to attack. I moved out of her way down the stairs. I have never attacked Rachel.”
“I didn’t even speak to her; I simply wanted to exit the situation.”
Defense attorney Mark Styles mentioned that the defendant had been “unable to cope” with Ms. Usher’s death as he had been in custody, noting a decline in his mental well-being.
He is scheduled to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 25 February.
