A man has refuted allegations of killing a Scottish mother on a Greek island nearly two decades after her demise.
The body of Jean Hanlon was discovered in the waters off Heraklion, Crete, in 2009. Initially deemed accidental, her family persisted in seeking a fresh inquiry, urging for a new post-mortem and enlisting a private detective to unravel the truth.
Substantial progress was made with the revelation of entries from Jean’s personal diary, prompting suspicions towards her 55-year-old ex-partner for her possible murder. Following interrogation in January last year, the accused was officially charged again in November.
The highly anticipated trial commenced today at Lassithi Criminal Court in Crete. The defendant declared, “I am innocent. It would be unjust to spend my life in prison for a crime I did not commit.”
According to Greek newspaper OEMA, the former Greek partner of Jean remains unidentified under national laws providing defendants with anonymity until proven guilty.
As the trial opened, Jean’s three sons testified, one alleging that their mother had been subjected to harassment by the accused post their separation, despite what seemed like an amicable parting. Testimony also highlighted Jean’s diary, implicating the defendant.
A forensic pathologist, engaged in the case in 2019, informed the court that Jean likely died from a brain stem tear, possibly caused by a forceful blow to the back of her neck with a blunt object. The injuries were inconsistent with a fall.
Jean, a former hospital secretary residing in Kato Gouves near Heraklion, vanished during a night out in March 2009 after mentioning meeting a man at a café. A distressing text message reading “Help” was sent, and her body was discovered in the sea four days later.
Initial findings suggested drowning, but a later review unveiled pre-death conditions including a broken neck, ribs, punctured lung, and facial trauma.
The relentless pursuit by her family led to four re-openings of the investigation by Greek authorities. In 2020, an appeal on Greek TV failed to yield fresh leads. Organized crime investigators probed the case in 2021, acknowledging foul play but finding no new evidence.
The case was officially revived in June 2024 on submission of a detailed report by private investigator Haris Veramon, engaged by Jean’s son. The suspect faced initial charges in January of the previous year, with the case reinstated in November following an appeal decision.
Jean’s son, Michael Porter, expressed relief at the prospect of justice finally being served for his mother after years of uncertainty. The trial, situated approximately 30 miles from the discovery site, is anticipated to span up to four days.
