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The ex-boyfriend of a Scottish mum who died on a Greek island 16 years ago is to stand trial for her murder, the Sunday Mail can reveal.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons but whose identity is known to the Sunday Mail, has been accused of the murder of Jean Hanlon after a long campaign for justice by her family. Jean’s body was found in Crete’s Heraklion harbour in 2009 and her three sons have always believed the 53-year-old, from Dumfries, was murdered.
Last year they hired private investigator Haris Fluskounis who used details of Jean’s diary to identify a potential suspect before passing his findings to Greek prosecutors. The man, 54, who is originally from Crete, is understood to have been charged in January.
However in August the case was thrown into doubt over claims of insufficient evidence from Greek officials. But the family’s legal team have now confirmed appeal judges at Heraklion Judicial Council have ruled that a man will stand trial for Jean’s murder.
Jean’s son Michael, 40, said: “We are still in shock because we never thought we would get to this point. To now be told that after looking into the evidence submitted and having investigated it thoroughly, they have overturned a senior’s prosecutor’s recommendation not to go to trial.
“After fighting for 16 years, it doesn’t feel real yet. It is a victory but we’ve not won the war yet. We might finally get the closure we need, to finally let mum rest.”
Jean moved to the village of Kato Gouves four years before her death to start a new life. She went missing on March 9, 2009, after a night out.
In the hours before her death, she’d spoken to friends on the phone after meeting a man at a bar and is understood to have later sent a final text to a pal saying “help”. Four days later, her body was pulled from the harbour.
An initial post-mortem examination ruled she had drowned. But after pressure from her family, a second post-mortem revealed she had suffered a broken neck, shattered ribs, a punctured lung and facial injuries consistent with a struggle.
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Police decided to re-examine the case in 2019 when a documentary in Greece highlighted her sons’ search for justice. But it was wound down again when no new evidence emerged.
In 2021 Greek police confirmed a third probe into Jean’s case. The case was passed to the Greek Department of Organised Crime, who concluded a crime took place which led to the death.
A trial date has not been set but Jean’s family have been told it could take up to eight months. Michael added: “I don’t mind waiting because now justice is in touching distance.”
Family lawyer Apostolos Xiritakis said: “We are very glad and satisfied the council of Magistrates of the first instance Court of Iraklion have decided that there are enough evidence to send the suspect to be judged in front of the Mixed Jury Court, with the allegation of murdering Jean Hanlon.”
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Investigator Haris said: “I’m incredibly pleased that the Judicial Council was persuaded and reached a decision that is both fair and well-reasoned.
“This is an extremely complex case, and let’s not forget that the Prosecutor had recommended that the defendant be acquitted. Usually, the Council follows that line. We fought hard — and we won.
“I want to sincerely thank the family of the deceased, and especially her three sons, for their trust and our excellent cooperation throughout.”
The man, who was previously questioned by police, was hauled to court by Greek authorities after Jean’s family handed over their 29-page dossier of information. We exclusively revealed how investigator Haris had used details from the diary as the backbone of his investigation and tracked the man down.
He has denied any involvement in Jean’s death. Athens-based Haris had said: “Jean Hanlon’s case has reached a turning point for the first time in years.
“It doesn’t matter how many years a case has remained unsolved, evidence can always be uncovered.”
Evidence unearthed by Haris suggests a man had become possessive and began stalking Jean. The Sunday Mail contacted Greek authorities and police for comment.
