Jean murder trial starts next week

THE trial will start next week of a man accused of the murder of a Dumfries woman in Crete 17 years ago.

Jean Hanlon’s body was found in the harbour at Heraklion in March 2009, she was 53.

She had disappeared after a night out and her death was initially ruled as drowning. However, following pressure from her family, further forensic tests found injuries consistent with trauma and police deemed it a homicide.

But it has still taken years, and the help of a private investigator, to get it to court.

The accused is a Cretan man, reportedly a former partner/acquaintance of Jean’s. He denies any involvement.

When the trial starts on Friday June 26, the court will hear evidence gathered over the last 17 years, including forensic findings, witness testimony and material arising from the private investigation

Jean’s sons have described the decision to proceed to trial as a major step toward justice and they hope the legal process will finally provide answers about what happened to their mother.