HOLLYWOOD ACTOR GUILTY OF ASSAULTING EX-GIRLFRIEND DAY AFTER EARLY PRISON RELEASE

A former Hollywood actor named Jason Hoganson has been convicted of assaulting his ex-partner, Rachel Usher, just one day after his early release from prison. Hoganson, aged 53 and notable for his role in the 1987 film Empire State, was photographed upon his release from HMP Durham on September 10 last year, where he had served half of an 18-month sentence for assaulting Ms Usher and breaching a restraining order. The very next day, he was re-arrested in Newcastle’s West End after going to Ms Usher’s flat and slapping her. Hoganson, heavily tattooed, has been sentenced to further imprisonment for the assault. Despite Ms Usher having since passed away on October 30, her statement was presented as evidence, recounting a six-year abusive relationship during which Hoganson reportedly "used to hit me all the time." He was found guilty of assaulting Ms Usher, breaching the restraining order by visiting her home on September 11 and sending her a letter from prison. Hoganson was removed from court during his testimony after shouting obscenities and was not present for the verdict. The court also noted Hoganson had written the letter expressing love to Ms Usher, which was confirmed as his writing. Hoganson claimed he went to retrieve his belongings from an apartment upstairs and that Ms Usher attacked him, alleging he never assaulted her. The judge, Deputy District Judge Natalie Wortley, considered CCTV footage which contradicted Hoganson’s account. Hoganson was released early due to a prison overcrowding scheme, among 37 inmates mistakenly released, though he might have been released later anyway under his original sentence. The case is set for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on February 25.