A 54-year-old man has been convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend Jean Hanlon, whose body was found in the sea off Heraklion, Crete, in March 2009. The verdict came after a four-day trial, 17 years after her death. However, under Greek law, the defendant cannot be named until the appeals process concludes, and he remains free while his appeal is heard.
Details of the Case
Greek authorities initially ruled Jean's death an accident, but her family refused to accept this and campaigned tirelessly for justice. They fought to have the investigation reopened four times, secured a second post-mortem, and hired a private investigator. The breakthrough came when entries in Jean's diary came to light, leading prosecutors to suspect her former partner.
Prosecutors stated that the pair had a brief relationship at the start of 2009, but the defendant refused to accept its end and began stalking her. They alleged he killed her on the night she disappeared and placed her body in the sea. Although no physical evidence linked him to the crime, a panel of judges and members of the public found him guilty.
Evidence and Testimony
A forensic review found that Jean had suffered injuries consistent with a struggle. The family's investigator submitted a report naming a suspect, which helped bring the case back before prosecutors. The court heard evidence from Jean's three sons, who traveled from Dumfries, Scotland, for the trial.
Her eldest son, Robert Porter, testified that his mother's diary named the accused and described a 'steady relationship' that Jean ended in a 'polite way,' but the man continued to 'bully her.' Her middle son, Michael Porter, said the diary showed his mother repeatedly tried to cut off contact, but the accused kept turning up at her home and workplace, asking for money and following her.
Defendant's Mental Health
The court heard that the accused had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and was taking daily medication. Prosecutors argued he had stopped taking it during his relationship with Jean. His sister testified that he became aggressive when unmedicated. The court recognized diminished responsibility due to his mental health conditions and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
Forensic pathologist Krantoni told the court that Jean had been placed into the sea rather than thrown, and would have still been alive when she entered the water.
Family's Reaction
Following the verdict, Michael Porter told BBC Scotland News: 'It's really hard to put into words and it still hasn't really quite sunk in. Seventeen years has been such a long time but it feels like yesterday. For the first time in a very, very long time in a room full of strangers, mum's voice was heard and that is remarkable for us as individuals, as a family and for mum.'
He said his mother could 'finally be free,' but admitted it was painful knowing the man convicted of her murder would remain out of prison while his appeal is heard.
