TRAGIC END
Ex of Hollywood actor freed early from jail under Keir scheme dies on day he was due to face trial for ‘assaulting her’
Tattooed thug gave thumbs up as he left jail - then 'slapped ex-girlfriend at her home' the next day
THE ex-partner of a Hollywood actor freed early from jail under Keir Starmer's scheme has died on the day he was due to stand trial for allegedly assaulting her.
Jason Hoganson was pictured giving a thumbs up as he walked free from HMP Durham on September 10.
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The tattooed thug, 53, had served just half his 18 month sentence for assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rachel Usher.
Hoganson, who had a leading role in the cult 1980s film Empire State, landed himself back in prison just two days later after allegedly attacking Rachel at her home on the day he was released.
He was due to stand trial on October 30 but the court was told Rachel had sadly passed away that day.
Her cause of death is not known but the tragedy is not related to Hoganson.
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A hearing was held at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week where it was decided the trial would go ahead in Rachel's absence.
Prosecutors said her statements would be used as evidence as a fresh date was scheduled for January 24.
Hoganson has been remanded into custody ahead of the planned trial.
He is accused of slapping his ex at her home after he was released early under Labour's prison plan.
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The former star also allegedly breached his restraining order against the victim after sending two letters while he was behind bars.
Hoganson was originally convicted in August last year after he was caught on doorbell footage attacking Rachel.
The actor was already under a restraining order when he showed up at her home and shoved her to the ground.
Hoganson was also filmed slapping the woman and landing more blows during the terrifying attack.
He was sentenced to 18 months behind bars after he admitted assault by beating and breach of a restraining order.
Hoganson was once a rising star in Hollywood - playing drifter Pete in crime thriller Empire State, set in London's yuppie docklands and starring Oscar nominee Martin Landau.
But the fallen star slipped in a spiral of drug addiction and crime that led to more than 100 convictions.
In recent years, Hognason has shocked with his appearance after covering self-harm scars to his face with tattoos.
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