Authorities in Greece have interrogated a suspect in connection with the death of Scots mum on Crete 16 years ago. The man questioned in relation to Jean Hanlon’s death appeared before the Third Heraklion District Attorney’s Office earlier this week.
He was questioned by prosecutors before being released on bail. Jean, 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 insisted their mum, who lived on the island, was murdered and have campaigned for justice ever since.
Jean’s sons Michael
Jean’s eldest son Michael Porter confirmed the latest development with the Record on Sunday. The 39-year-old said it was a “leap in the right direction” for getting justice for his mum.
He said: “I can confirm that it was a very good week for JusticeForJean – a lot better than hoped. We now officially have a suspect who went under interrogation on Tuesday.
“He has since been released with limitations. We believe he is the one and we believe that he will be in front of the court to be judged for murdering our beloved mum.
“This is massive progress and a leap in the right direction for getting mum’s justice.”
Jean Hanlon was recovered from the sea at Heraklion harbour in Greece over 10 years ago
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Earlier this year, the family hired private investigator Haris Fluskounis to revisit Jean’s case. Haris, who is based in Athens, re-examined evidence after taking up the cold case and in June handed a 29-page dossier to Greek prosecutors.
He identified a man he believes is responsible for Jean’s murder. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is understood to have stalked the mum after she turned down his advances.
Earlier this week, Haris told how he used details of the late mum’s diary to identify the man. His study of the case file took three months during which he tracked down and interviewed people named in Jean’s diary.
Haris Fluskounis was called in by Jean’s family
Speaking to our sister title, the Sunday Mail, he said: “Jean Hanlon’s case has reached a turning point for the first time in 15 years. The diary was the backbone of the investigation because it revealed a timeline of a relationship.
“The victim was attempting to flee from a man who constantly pursued her and with whom she had a brief connection. When the relationship reaches its conclusion, as was the victim’s desire, the alleged perpetrator begins stalking Jean and attempts to convince her to reconcile.
“The perpetrator’s persistence escalates up until two days before Jean Hanlon was murdered.”
Jean moved to the village of Kato Gouves four years before her death to start a new life after a divorce. Michael said after 15 years, the family remain hopeful for justice.
He said: “Haris has asked the questions that needed to be asked and helped get the answers. We are and forever will be grateful to him.”
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