Judges’ decision is ‘victory’ for Jean

A MAN is set to stand trial in Greece next year for the murder of a Dumfries woman 16 years ago.

The family of the late Jean Hanlon have welcomed the development, describing it as ‘a victory for mum’.

Her son Michael Porter this week wrote on their Justice for Jean Facebook page: “Never thought this day would come.”

He revealed how the latest development has come about thanks to the work of private investigator Haris Veramon over the last year,

“He produced an outstanding report, clearly identifying the guy that killed our mum,” said Michael.

Jean was 53 when she died in Heraklion, Crete in March 2009, with her body found in the town’s harbour. She had been living on the sunshine island for four years.

Earlier this year the main suspect, a Cretan man said to be her ex-boyfriend, was arrested and accused of homicide but in the summer senior prosecutors tried to close the case.

The family fought against such a move and the matter went to the Heraklion Judicial Council.

This week they finally filed their decision, in favour of a jury trial. Explaining it, Michael said: “We have waited a long eight weeks for a verdict and amazingly and emotionally we have now been informed that the council of judges decided that the suspect (now defendant) will be sent to trial with the accusation of the homicide of mum.

“We are absolutely over the moon at this news and it doesn’t feel real, we are so close now to getting mum the justice she deserves.

“This is a massive victory for mum, but we have not yet won the war.”

It’s expected the trial will be held in six-eight months time.

Meanwhile, investigator Mr Veramon said: “When I heard about the outcome, I literally screamed with joy. I can’t describe it.

“It was anything but easy to get to this point.

“We are now waiting for a trial date to be set, and we will do everything in our power to win this battle.

“I have identified the killer — and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he is the one. No one else.”

Praising Jean’s sons, he added: “I want to applaud Michael and his brothers for their fight.”