Detectives have relaunched a probe into the death of an expat whose body was found in a Greek harbour 12 years ago.
The family of tragic Jean Hanlon said they were “over the moon” at the dramatic U-turn months after the case was closed for a second time.
Police reopened the investigation into how Jean died after a documentary highlighted her sons’ search for justice.
But it was wound down again when no new evidence emerged.
Now there is fresh hope of a breakthrough after Greek police confirmed a third probe into the 53-year-old’s death.
Son Michael, 36, said: “The last year has been terrible and many matters were put on the back-burner. But things we’ve been working on have been successful.
"We can officially say the case has been approved to be reopened.”
Mum-of-three Jean, from Dumfries, was recovered from Heraklion harbour in Crete in March 2009.
Police initially dismissed her death as an accidental drowning despite a coroner’s report finding she had shattered ribs, a punctured lung and facial wounds.
Sons Michael, Robert and David Porter have always insisted she was unlawfully killed.
Jean was found four days after she sent a friend a text message which said “help me”. A man she was last seen with has never been traced.
Solicitor Apostolos Xiritakis, who is acting for the family, said: “We are very pleased the authorities have ordered a new investigation.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “Our staff are in contact with the authorities in Greece about this case.”
The Ministry of Justice in Greece did not respond to our request for comment.
