Joan Hannington Biography: The Godmother Diamond Thief
Joan Hannington, often known as the “Godmother of Crime,” has lived a life full of dramatic twists and turns, from her involvement in crime to her road towards redemption. Her narrative captivates many people, not just because of her criminal history, but also because of her perseverance and eventual transformation.
Who is Joan Hannington?
Joan Hannington was born in 1957, the sixth child in a working-class Irish family. According to People, Joan Hannington fled her home at the age of 13 owing to suspected physical abuse by her father. According to the New York Post, Hannington’s father, Richard O’Leary, is a former boxing promoter. Hannington later married convicted armed robber Ray Pavey at the age of seventeen. In the series, Ray is replaced by Gary (Nick Blood). Hannington’s daughter Debbie, who is named Kelly in the series, also changes her name on the show.
According to The Sun, Hannington was the victim of another abusive relationship with Pavey, who allegedly hurled ammonia in her face, leaving a squint in her right eye. Ray also allegedly tossed Hannington out of a moving automobile. Hannington soon ended the relationship, and Debbie was placed in foster care. Hannington then lied to get a job as a jeweller in London’s West End. Hannington told The Sun, “I was determined to get Debbie back, but I needed money and a place to live.”
Although the show alters the events surrounding Hannington’s first diamond grab for dramatic effect, the remainder of the robbery takes place as described in the series. Hannington couldn’t pass up the chance to get her hands on some loose stones, which would transform her fortune. Hannington made a hasty decision to swallow the diamonds. Hannington ingested about £800,000 worth of stones on her first attempt (via The Sun).
Hannington collected the jewels after they had passed through her system and sterilised them in preparation for storage and sale. Unlike what the show implies, Hannington did not quit her work at the jeweller’s immediately. She worked in the shop for a few months before leaving and meeting Benny Boisie, a high-class burglar and antique dealer, 17 years her senior. Aside from being Hannington’s sweetheart, Boisie also served as her tutor, teaching Hannington several techniques of the trade, including cheque and credit fraud.
Where is Joan Hannington now?
Joan rethought her criminal career after Boisie died, so she sold her husband’s antiques shop and relocated to Islington, north London. She started a business refurbishing ancient council houses and stayed on the straight and narrow. Joan Hannington initially told her story in her memoir I Am What I Am in the early 2000s, which rapidly became a best-seller. Joan now has two daughters and a grandchild, and she lives on the South Coast with her two dogs.
Joan Hannington Net Worth 2024
Joan Hannington’s estimated net worth in 2024 is roughly £1 million. Her wealth is mostly derived from the sale of her autobiography, television adaptations, and media appearances. Despite the fact that her criminal history provided her with financial advantages illegally, her current wealth is genuine as a result of her attempts to rebuild her life.
