Man denies murder of Jean Hanlon on Greek island in 2009

She had been working in local bars and tavernas.

Her body was discovered on 13 March 2009, four days after she was reported missing.

The man, who was known to Jean prior to her death, was questioned in January last year.

He was charged in November.

An initial post-mortem examination determined Jean had drowned, but a re-examination in 2019 later suggested injuries consistent with a struggle.

A fresh appeal on the Greek equivalent of Crimewatch in 2020 also failed to yield any new information.

In 2021, specialist officers working as part of a unit investigating organised crime also investigated to no avail, though did rule it was “foul play”.

The investigation was officially reopened in June 2024 after a private investigator hired by her son passed a 24-page report to Greek authorities.

The trial – which is being heard in Neapoli, about 30 miles (49km) from Heraklion – is expected to last up to four days.