Son of woman murdered in Crete 17 years ago says fight 'not over' as killer still free

The son of a Scottish woman who was murdered in Crete 17 years ago has vowed the fight for justice is "not over" as the killer remains free pending an appeal.

The body of Jean Hanlon, 53, was discovered in water off Heraklion in March 2009.

Greek authorities initially ruled the Dumfries mum-of-three's death as accidental, but her family suspected foul play and launched a long-running campaign for the case to be reinvestigated.

On Friday, a man in his 50s was found guilty of murder following a trial in Neapoli and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The man, who cannot be named under Greek law until the entire court process is over, will not go to prison until his appeal has been heard.

The court recognised the killer's diminished responsibility due to his mental state.

Ms Hanlon's son, Michael Porter, posted a heartfelt statement on social media on Sunday evening as he prepared to return to the UK, having travelled to Crete for the trial.

He wrote: "This is not the ending we hoped for. We received a conviction. We received vindication. But justice has still not been fully served.

"The fight is not over. I've got you, Mum. Always."

Ms Hanlon's family - including Mr Porter and his brothers, Robert and David - hired a private investigator in their battle for the truth.

She was last seen in the company of the man, who was known to her, at the Marina Cafe in Heraklion.

The court heard how she had sent text messages to friends saying she did not want to stay there with him.

Prosecutors argued the man was with her the night she died and that he killed her.

In his post on Facebook, Mr Porter said his mother's trial was "anything but easy".

He said: "Coming face-to-face with the man who so cruelly robbed me of my mum was one of the hardest experiences I have ever endured.

"At one point, David, Robert and I were even left alone with him. There simply are no words to describe what that felt like.

"Listening to the testimonies and hearing the pathologist describe Mum's injuries and her final moments is something that will stay with me forever. Those memories are etched into my heart."

Mr Porter praised the public prosecutor.

He added: "She spoke with such passion, dignity and compassion for Mum and for our family's fight.

"After 17 years, to finally hear Mum's voice represented so powerfully and, most importantly, believed, was overwhelming."

Mr Porter acknowledged the Greek courts and judges for treating Ms Hanlon's case with "such respect and care".

But he added: "I am deeply thankful for the guilty conviction. But that conviction has been overshadowed by the fact that a convicted killer has once again walked free.

"He has already lived 17 years with his freedom. That is simply not acceptable."

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Mr Porter added: "Returning to Crete and standing alongside my brothers for the first time on the island since we came searching for Mum all those years ago brought back emotions I cannot fully describe.

"It was a strange flashback, but it felt right. We were together, united as three brothers, standing for one purpose, to represent our mum.

"There is real strength in unity, and I know she would have been proud of us."

(c) Sky News 2026: Son of woman murdered in Crete 17 years ago says fight 'not over' as killer still free