Joan Hannington, born in the 1950s in London, is a former British jewel thief who rose to notoriety for her high-profile heists in the 1980s. She Grew up in a problematic household; Hannington’s early life was marked by abuse, which led her to escape home at the age of 13.
Her life took a darker turn after she married Ray Pavey, an armed robber, and they had a daughter, Debbie. When her daughter was placed in foster care, it triggered a series of events that led Hannington into a life of crime. She sought to make enough money to get her daughter back, which spurred her career as a jewel thief.
Quick Bio data.
| Full Name | Joan Hannington |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1952 |
| Place of Birth | London, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Residential Town | South Coast of England |
| Marital Status | Widow |
| Spouse | Ronald Thomas “Boisie” Hannington (Deceased) |
| Children | 2 (including Benny Banks) |
| Eye/Hair Color | Brown / Brown |
| Net Worth | estimated to be millions of pounds but the exact amount is available |
Age and Early Life
Joan Hannington’s birthdate remains unclear, but she was born in the 1950s. She faced an abusive childhood, where she and her siblings suffered under the violent tendencies of their father. At just 13, Hannington fled from home, beginning a journey that would see her eventually enter the world of crime.
Her first marriage to Ray Pavey resulted in the birth of her daughter, but their family life was torn apart when their child was taken into foster care, setting Hannington down the path of jewel theft.
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Career and Criminal Activities
Hannington is best known for her jewel heists, which were often marked by her daring and clever methods of execution. She, for One, had a famous technique that involved swallowing diamonds to smuggle them out of jewellery stores without detection.
Her ingenuity allowed her to operate under the radar, and at the height of her career, she worked with Ronald “Boise” Hannington, an antique dealer and criminal mastermind. The pair became infamous in London’s underworld for their elaborate crimes. Together, they stole millions in jewels and antiques during the 1980s.
Joan’s criminal career spanned several years, and she became one of the most wanted criminals in the UK. Despite being arrested multiple times, she continued her operations. Her life of crime, while filled with luxury, was also marked by personal loss, including the death of her second husband, Ronald, in a botched insurance scam.
Life Beyond Crime
After the birth of her son Benny (now a musician known as Benny Banks) in 1987 and the death of Boise, Hannington decided to change her life.
She spent time in prison for her crimes but used her experience to pen a memoir titled I Am What I Am: The True Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief. In her book, she details her rise and fall in the world of high-profile theft and her struggles with personal demons.
Joan Hannington’s life story has recently been adapted into the 2024 ITV series Joan, where actress Sophie Turner portrays her. The series draws on her tumultuous life, highlighting her criminal endeavours and struggles.
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Net Worth 2024
Though Joan Hannington’s exact net worth is unknown, it is believed that during her criminal career, she and Boisie handled millions of pounds of stolen goods. In today’s terms, this could translate to several million dollars, though her current financial situation remains private.
FAQs About Joan Hannington
1. Who is Joan Hannington?
Joan Hannington is a former British jewel thief notorious for her high-profile diamond thefts during the 1980s.
2. What is Joan Hannington’s age?
Joan Hannington was born in the 1950s, though her birthdate is not publicly known.
3. What is Joan Hannington’s most famous crime?
Hannington is best known for stealing diamonds by swallowing them to evade detection, which helped her avoid getting caught in several heists.
4. Has Joan Hannington’s life been portrayed in the media?
Her life inspired the 2024 ITV drama Joan, where actress Sophie Turner portrays her.
5. What is Joan Hannington’s net worth?
While her net worth in 2024 remains private, Hannington is believed to have handled millions in stolen goods during her criminal career.
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Conclusion
Joan Hannington’s life uniquely blends personal tragedy and audacious criminality. From a young girl fleeing an abusive household to one of Britain’s most notorious jewel thieves, her story continues to captivate audiences.
With her life recently dramatized on television, Joan Hannington’s name remains synonymous with daring thefts, personal resilience, and the complexity of living between two worlds.