Ex-Boyfriend to Stand Trial for Scottish Mother's Murder in Crete After 16 Years

The ex-boyfriend of Jean Hanlon, a Scottish mother whose body was found in Heraklion harbour, Crete, in 2009, will stand trial for her murder after a 16-year campaign for justice by her family. Jean, originally from Dumfries, moved to Crete four years before her death and vanished after a night out, sending a final text message saying "help". Initial investigations ruled her death as accidental drowning, but a second post-mortem revealed evidence of violent struggle including a broken neck and shattered ribs. The family hired private investigator Haris Fluskounis, who used Jean's diary entries to identify the suspect, leading to formal charges against the 54-year-old man in January. Despite a senior prosecutor's recommendation to drop the case due to insufficient evidence, appeal judges in Heraklion overturned that decision, allowing the case to proceed to trial. Jean's son Michael expressed shock and hope for closure, acknowledging the victory while emphasizing the ongoing struggle for justice.