Jason Hoganson was originally jailed for 18 months for the assault of Rachel Usher but when he was mistakenly released early from prison, he went to her home and assaulted her
A former Hollywood actor has died after his early release from prison made headlines after he attacked his ex-partner shortly after he was freed.
Jason Hoganson, who had a leading role in the 1988 film Empire State as a Geordie called Pete, was pictured giving a thumbs up as he left HMP Durham on September 10.
The tattooed convicted criminal served half of his 18-month sentence for assaulting his ex, Rachel Usher. However, just a day later, he had come to her home and assaulted her again.
When he was due to stand trial in October 2024, the courts heard Rachel had sadly died the same day. Now Hoganson passed away earlier this month at the age of 55.
Hoganson reportedly died unexpectedly on April 4 as made public in a post by R W Barrett & Son Funeral Services.
In a Facebook post, he was described as: “Dad of Jade, Kitt, Michael, Charlotte and Clarice.
“Treasured Son of Maureen and the late Ronnie. Also, a dear brother of Michael, Layland and Kelly. Jason will be very dearly missed.”
Hoganson was released early under Labour’s prison plan. He sent his victim two letters from his prison cell, despite specifically being under a restraining order which prevented any contact with her. He was originally caught on doorbell footage attacking Rachel, which caused his first conviction.
He was already under a strict restraining order at that point, which he obviously broke. The shocking footage, which was shown to courts showed him landing a few slaps and shoving her to the ground.
Hoganson was originally sentenced to 18 months behind bars after he admitted assault by beating and breach of a restraining order. His life had involved crime before his prison sentence, with a life of drug addiction and more than 100 convictions to his name.
Following his rearrests following prison release, Hoganson would later see his convictions quashed, according to the BBC.
Hoganson appealed on the basis that his ex had since “sadly” died and the case relied on “hearsay”. Sitting at Newcastle Crown Court in August 2025, Recorder Mark Guiliani allowed the appeal after hearing prosecutors had not done required assessments.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.