Dumfries man makes appeal in Crete over the unsolved death of his mum

The family of Dumfries woman Jean Hanlon, who was found dead in Crete back in March 2009, have returned to the Greek island in search of answers.

The 53 year-old’s body washed up at Heraklion Harbour after she was reported missing.

Greek authorities originally ruled she’d drowned. But when her family went to identify her body, they noticed a number of injuries and demanded a second post mortem.

It revealed Jean, who was living in Crete, had died before entering the water. She had suffered a broken neck and substantial other injuries

An investigation was launched by Greek police who questioned two people in connection but charges were never brought against anyone. The case was archived in 2015.

But Jean’s family didn’t give up in their fight for answers and after meeting with the Greek ambassador in London, they managed to get the case reopened.

Again, due to a lack of evidence, the case was shelved in 2018 by the prosecutor who said, according to Greek law, it would remain like this until 2029 when it would be closed forever unless there was any new information.

But now there is fresh hope. Following a Channel 5 documentary called "Murdered in Paradise : The Killing of Jean Hanlon," new information was put forward and authorities said it was enough to justify reopening the case once more.

As part of this Jean's son Michael Porter and her grandaughter Rebecca are returning to Crete. They will issue a fresh appeal for information at Heraklion Harbour where she was found.

In an interview ahead of the visit, Michael told us it will be a difficult trip:

You can help Jean's family get justice by signing their petition here.