Joan Hannington, a name that might not be familiar to many, has recently captured the public’s attention due to the release of the ITV drama series “Joan,” starring Sophie Turner. This captivating series delves into the extraordinary life of the real-life Joan Hannington, a woman who defied societal norms and became one of Britain’s most notorious jewel thieves.
Who is Joan Hannington?
Born in 1957, Joan Hannington grew up in a working-class family in London.
Her life took a dramatic turn at the age of 13 when she ran away from home due to alleged physical abuse by her father. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey that would lead her down a path of crime and notoriety.
The Jewel Thief
Hannington’s involvement in the world of crime began in her early adulthood. She developed a unique method of theft, swallowing precious jewels and later retrieving them through a rather unconventional process. This audacious technique earned her the nickname “the Godmother” within certain circles of the British criminal underworld.
The ITV Drama Series “Joan”
The ITV drama series “Joan” offers a fictionalized account of Hannington’s life, highlighting her daring heists, complex relationships, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated criminal world. Sophie Turner’s portrayal of the enigmatic character has garnered praise for its intensity and authenticity.
Beyond the Screen
While the series provides a captivating glimpse into Hannington’s life, it’s important to remember that the real woman is a complex individual with a multifaceted story. Her memoir, “I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief,” offers a firsthand account of her experiences, revealing a depth of emotion and vulnerability that often goes unnoticed in the public perception of criminals.
FAQs
Who is Joan Hannington?
Joan Hannington is a former jewel thief who gained notoriety in the UK during the 1980s. Her life of crime involved high-end jewelry heists, often using techniques such as hiding diamonds in her mouth or even swallowing them to evade detection. Known for her audacious methods and stylish persona, she has been labeled “Britain’s most notorious jewel thief” due to her clever schemes and impressive collection of stolen gems, which she kept in secure hiding places across London.
How did Joan Hannington start her life of crime?
Joan Hannington’s criminal career began in part due to personal hardship. She ran away from home as a teenager to escape an abusive household and later had a child with her then-husband, Ray Pavey. After losing custody of her daughter to social services, she became desperate for money to regain custody, which led her to steal her first diamonds. Her partnership with Ronald “Boisie” Hannington, an antiques dealer with a criminal background, also fueled her turn to a life of crime. Together, they carried out numerous heists and even stashed hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of jewels.
Did Joan Hannington ever face jail time?
Yes, although Joan Hannington was rarely caught, she did serve time for non-theft-related offenses. She was convicted for using a stolen checkbook, which led to a 30-month sentence in Holloway Prison. However, she managed to avoid legal repercussions specifically for her jewel thefts, which she credited to her meticulous planning and her ability to evade detection.
What led Joan to leave her criminal life behind?
Joan’s decision to quit crime came after the death of her husband Boisie, who died during an insurance fraud scheme. The birth of her son, Benny, also played a key role, as she wanted to provide a more stable life for him and to break away from her high-risk lifestyle. She eventually transitioned to legitimate work by buying and renovating properties.
Where is Joan Hannington now?
Joan Hannington, now in her sixties, lives a quiet life on the southern coast of England with her dogs and remains close to her son and granddaughter. She has written memoirs, including I Am What I Am and her 2024 update Joan: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Diamond Thief, which coincides with an ITV drama series based on her life. Involved in the show’s production, she even appears in a cameo role and worked closely with Sophie Turner, who portrays her.
What is the ITV show about her?
The ITV series titled Joan dramatizes Hannington’s life as a jewel thief and highlights her complex motivations, including her drive to reunite with her daughter. Sophie Turner stars as Joan, capturing her mix of grit, intelligence, and vulnerability. While the show takes creative liberties, it maintains a strong connection to Joan’s real experiences, with her own input in the scripting and character portrayal.
To summarize
Joan Hannington’s life is a gripping story of survival, resilience, and reinvention. From her challenging beginnings to becoming a jewel thief and eventually turning her life around, she remains an enigmatic figure in British crime lore. The ITV series brings renewed attention to her story, reflecting both her glamorous and gritty past while revealing her softer side, especially her love for her children. Joan’s journey showcases the complexities of human motivations, making her not just a criminal legend but also a symbol of redemption and transformation.
Joan Hannington’s story is a fascinating blend of crime, drama, and human resilience. The ITV series “Joan” offers a captivating portrayal of her life, while her memoir provides a deeper insight into the complexities of her character. Whether you’re drawn to the thrilling world of crime or the compelling human story behind it, Joan Hannington is a figure worth exploring.
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