Police reopen probe into death of Scots mum in Greece 15 years ago amid 'major breakthrough'

The family of a Scots mum who died in Crete 15 years ago have confirmed police in Greece are reopening an investigation into her death.

Jean Hanlon, 53, from Dumfries, went missing on the Greek island on March 9, 2009, after a night out. She was found dead in Heraklion harbour four days later.

Her three sons have always believed that their mum, who lived on the island, was murdered and have campaigned for justice ever since. Earlier this year, the family hired a private investigator who re-examined evidence before identifying the man he believes is responsible.

Investigator Haris Fluskounis handed over a 29-page dossier to prosecutors in Greece as he identified someone known to Jean as being connected to her death. Following the investigation, which took place in January, the family confirmed that police in Greece are reopening their mother's case.

They hailed the latest development as a "breakthrough".

A statement from Jean's three sons reads: "I am over the moon to be able to announce that the prosecutor's office has accepted the report and have officially reopened mum's case. This is a phenomenal break through and a massive step forward in getting mum's justice."

Jean’s eldest son Michael, 39, told our sister title, the Sunday Mail, earlier this month: “The person identified was someone who was known to Mum. It’s no one who has been accused before. The person was in clear sight, was spoken to at the time by police.

“Haris has produced a 4900-word report. The report clearly looks at motive, evidence, after evidence and background.

“Now the case will be solved. We have identified the person that killed our mum and the puzzle is nearly complete. The authorities have no choice but to reopen the case. We then have to wait for a warrant to be issued for arrest. The evidence has always been there. It should have been done at the time. If it had, I don’t believe we’d be here today.

“The family 100 per cent believe this person is responsible. After reviewing the evidence in the report, it’s hard to see how it could be anyone else.”

The reopening of the case will be the fourth investigation into Jean's death. Jean moved to the village of Kato Gouves four years before her death to start a new life after a divorce.

She had made new friends and had a job in the travel industry and did occasional bar work. In the hours before her disappearance, she spoke to friends on the phone after meeting a man at a bar.

She sent a final text to a pal saying "help". Greek authorities initially said the mum 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.

It was concluded she died before going into the water. For the last 15 years, Jean's family have campaigned for a re-examination of the case.

It was reopened in 2019 but failed to secure any breakthrough. In 2020, the family issued a fresh appeal on the Greek equivalent of Crimewatch.

And in 2021, a third investigation was launched but soon concluded due to a lack of evidence.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.