A man has been convicted of killing his former girlfriend 17 years after her death.
The body of Jean Hanlon was discovered in the sea off Heraklion, Crete, in March 2009. Despite initial reports by Greek authorities indicating her death was accidental, her family persisted in challenging this conclusion over the years.
Eventually, a 54-year-old individual, whose identity is protected under Greek law until after the appeals process, was found guilty of murder following a four-day trial. While sentenced to 10 years in prison due to his mental health conditions, he remains free pending the outcome of his appeal.
According to prosecutors, the accused and Jean had a brief relationship at the beginning of 2009. However, when Jean decided to end the relationship, the defendant allegedly began stalking her. Prosecutors claimed that he murdered her on the night she disappeared and disposed of her body in the sea. Although there was no physical evidence directly linking the two on that fateful night, a panel of judges and public members reached a guilty verdict.
Jean’s family tirelessly pursued justice for 17 years, pushing for a reopened investigation, a second post-mortem examination, and even hiring a private investigator to challenge the accidental death theory. Breakthrough evidence emerged from Jean’s diary, pointing suspicions towards her former partner.
Subsequent forensic analysis revealed injuries consistent with a struggle on Jean’s body, supporting the family’s investigator’s report that identified a suspect, prompting a renewed prosecutorial interest.
During the trial, Jean’s three sons, who traveled from Dumfries, Scotland, testified. Eldest son, Robert Porter, recounted details from his mother’s diary that implicated the accused in what he described as a “volatile relationship.” He noted that Jean had tried to end the relationship amicably, but the accused persisted in harassing her.
Middle son, Michael Porter, highlighted entries in the diary showing Jean’s repeated attempts to sever ties with the accused, who continued to intrude into her personal space and demand money.
The court learned that the accused had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and had a history of non-compliance with his medication regimen. Prosecutors argued that he became aggressive when not medicated, suggesting a potential motive for the crime. Forensic expert Krantoni testified that Jean was likely placed in the sea rather than thrown, indicating she may have still been alive upon entry into the water.
After the verdict, Michael shared with BBC Scotland News his family’s mixed emotions, acknowledging the bittersweet closure of knowing his mother’s voice was finally heard in court. He expressed relief that his mother could now rest in peace, yet lamented the convicted murderer’s interim freedom pending his appeal.
