Greek Court Convicts Man of Murdering Scottish Woman in Crete

A Greek court convicted a 54-year-old man of murdering Scottish woman Jean Hanlon in Crete 17 years after her death. The four-day trial at the Lasithi Law Courts in Neapoli ended with a guilty verdict on or before 3 July 2026. Jean Hanlon, 53, from Dumfries, Scotland, had lived in Kato Gouves village near Heraklion for several years and worked in local bars and tavernas.

She was last seen with a man at the Marina Cafe in Heraklion. Her body was found in the water off the city on 13 March 2009. Greek authorities initially ruled the death accidental. A later report identified injuries consistent with a struggle.

In 2023 the family hired a private investigator whose report named a suspect and was given to authorities. The convicted man had been in a brief relationship with Hanlon at the start of 2009. He did not accept the end of the relationship and began stalking her, the court heard.

He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and was prescribed daily medication. His sister told the court he became aggressive when he did not take it. The prosecution said he had not been taking medication during the relationship.

Forensic pathologist Elena Krantoni reviewed post-mortem reports and photographs from 2019 onward. She concluded Hanlon died from an incomplete tear of the brain stem caused by a forceful blow to the back of the neck with a blunt object. The injuries were not consistent with a fall, and Krantoni stated Hanlon had been placed in the sea while still alive.

Hanlon's sons Robert Porter and Michael Porter traveled from Dumfries to give evidence. Robert Porter said his mother kept a diary that named the accused and described a relationship she ended politely. Michael Porter said the diary showed she was trying to end contact while the man kept appearing at her house and work.

The court recognized the man's diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions. He received a 10-year sentence but will remain free until his appeal is heard.