Hollywood actor freed from jail early under Keir’s controversial scheme back behind bars 48hrs later for ‘assaulting ex’
A HOLLYWOOD actor freed from jail early under Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial scheme was hauled back behind bars just 48 hours later.
Jason Hoganson was pictured giving a thumbs up as he walked free from HMP Durham on September 10.
The tattooed thug, 53, had served just half his 18 month sentence for assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Hoganson, who had a leading role in the cult 1980s film Empire State, landed himself back in prison just two days later.
He allegedly slapped his ex-girlfriend after turning up at her home the day after he was released early under Labour’s prison plan.
Hoganson is also accused of breaching his restraining order against the victim.
He appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on September 12 and pleaded guilty to one count of breaching the restraining order but denied a second.
Hoganson also denied the assault by beating allegation and has been remanded into custody ahead of his trial on October 30.
He was one of 1,700 inmates freed from jail early to help ease overcrowding in prisons.
Lags were filmed popping champagne and hopping into supercars as they enjoyed their first taste of freedom.
Sir Keir has come under fire over the controversial scheme, which saw some prisoners released less than halfway through their sentences.
Concerns have mounted over criminals re-offending once they are back on the streets.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said measures were taken to reduce the number of domestic abusers being freed amid widespread fears over the wellbeing of abuse survivors.
Hoganson was originally convicted in August last year after he was caught on doorbell footage attacking his former partner.
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.