The family of a Scottish woman murdered in Crete nearly two decades ago have expressed frustration after the man found guilty of her killing was allowed to leave the courthouse free pending an appeal. Jean Hanlon, 53, from Dumfries, was found dead in the sea off Heraklion in 2009. Initially, Greek authorities classified her death as accidental, but her family persistently sought a reinvestigation, convinced there was more to the case.

Their efforts culminated last week when a Greek man in his 50s was convicted of Hanlon’s murder following a four-day trial in Neapoli, Crete. However, due to the defendant’s diminished responsibility attributed to his mental health, the court reduced his sentence to 10 years. Under Greek law, the man’s identity cannot be disclosed, and he has not been imprisoned as he has appealed the verdict.

Michael Porter, Hanlon’s son, described the conviction as a significant moment but voiced deep disappointment over the killer’s continued freedom. “To see him walk out of the courtroom free was just – it’s unimaginable. It’s so infuriating,” Porter said. He acknowledged the court’s acknowledgment of the man’s mental condition but criticized the defendant for allegedly concealing his illness and failing to take medication, warning that this choice had dangerous consequences.

The family, who employed a private investigator, highlighted evidence presented at trial showing Hanlon had been with the suspect at a marina café and had sent messages to friends expressing her unease about staying with him. Porter also questioned the integrity of the initial police investigation, suggesting it was mishandled.

Despite respecting the Greek legal system, Porter said the outcome felt like “a massive blow to the stomach” and left them in “limbo.” He further described the situation as “ludicrous” and questioned why the convicted individual is allowed to remain free while the family endures ongoing uncertainty. “He should be waiting for his appeal behind bars. Why are we the ones that are having to be punished again, to wait?” Porter said.

Greek law stipulates that if the case remains unresolved for another three years, it would exceed the 20-year statute of limitations, potentially preventing further legal action. The three brothers of Jean Hanlon, who travelled to Crete for the trial, are expected to return to the United Kingdom shortly.