The Real Benny Boisie: 5 Shocking Facts About Ronald Thomas Hannington, The Elite Thief And Husband Of Joan Hannington

The recent surge in interest surrounding Ronald Thomas Hannington is directly tied to the highly-anticipated ITV series *Joan*, which premiered in late 2024 and is based on the life of notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the true identity and criminal career of the man who became Joan's second husband, an antiques dealer leading a shocking double life as one of London’s most sophisticated "elite thieves." He was a pivotal figure in Joan’s transformation from an amateur shoplifter into a criminal mastermind, and his story is far more complex and tragic than the television drama portrays. Born Ronald Thomas Hannington, he was better known in the London criminal underworld by his compelling alias, Benny Boisie. His association with Joan Hannington—the "Godmother of Grime"—propelled them into a life of high-stakes crime, dealing in stolen gems, expensive paintings, and priceless artifacts. The true-life narrative of Ronald Thomas Hannington, the character portrayed by Dillaine in the series, is a fascinating look into the glamorous and dangerous world of 1980s London crime.

Ronald Thomas Hannington: Biographical Profile

The man known as Ronald Thomas Hannington, or "Benny Boisie," remains an enigmatic figure, but recent media attention surrounding the television series has brought his key biographical details back into the spotlight. He was a central figure in the life of Joan Hannington, whose memoir, *Jewel*, serves as the primary source for his story.

• Full Name: Ronald Thomas Hannington
• Primary Alias: Benny Boisie
• Occupation (Public): Antiques Dealer
• Occupation (Criminal): Elite Thief, Jewel Thief, Fence for Stolen Goods
• Spouse: Joan Hannington (née Joan Lloyd)
• Age Difference: Reportedly 17 years older than Joan Hannington
• Context: Central figure in the ITV series *Joan*, based on the life of his wife, Joan Hannington.
• Criminal Speciality: Stealing and fencing expensive paintings, artifacts, and high-value gems.

The True Story of Benny Boisie: Ronald Hannington's Double Life

Ronald Thomas Hannington's life was a meticulous balancing act between legitimate business and high-level criminality. He was not merely a petty criminal; he was a sophisticated operator whose expertise elevated the scale of Joan Hannington's crimes, cementing their status as a power couple in the London underworld.

1. He Was an "Elite Thief" Specializing in High-Value Art and Artifacts

Boisie was described by the real-life Joan Hannington as an "elite thief," setting him apart from common criminals. His specialty was not simple smash-and-grab jobs, but the theft of expensive paintings, rare artifacts, and high-end antiques. His role as an established antiques dealer provided the perfect cover, giving him access to the circles where such items were bought and sold, as well as a legitimate channel to "fence" or sell the stolen goods.

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This dual life allowed him to move seamlessly between the respectable world of London's antique shops and the shadowy network of criminal buyers. His knowledge of art and antiques made him a valuable asset, capable of discerning the true value of an item and ensuring he received top dollar for their illicit hauls.

2. The Couple Accumulated "Thousands of Pounds a Week" in Stolen Gems

The partnership between Ronald Thomas Hannington and Joan Hannington was incredibly lucrative. Joan herself claimed that together, they "accumulated thousands of pounds a week in stolen gems." This level of income placed them at the very top tier of the criminal hierarchy, allowing them to live a lavish lifestyle that was often associated with the wealthy elite they targeted.

Their criminal relationship was a blend of his experience and her audacity. Benny Boisie provided the network, the knowledge, and the established routes for selling stolen property, while Joan contributed the daring and the street smarts necessary to execute complex thefts. Their combined efforts made them a formidable force, effectively running a highly profitable criminal enterprise focused on luxury goods.

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3. He Was Significantly Older Than Joan Hannington

While the ITV series touches on their relationship, the age difference between Ronald Thomas Hannington and Joan was notable. Sources indicate that Benny Boisie was 17 years Joan's senior. This age gap likely contributed to the dynamic of their relationship, with Boisie serving as a mentor figure who introduced Joan to the more sophisticated, high-stakes aspects of the criminal world. He was the seasoned professional who guided her development into a notorious jewel thief.

Their romance was intense and quick, leading to a marriage that was defined by their shared criminal endeavors. The older, established thief found a partner in the younger, ambitious Joan, and together they became a legendary criminal pairing in London lore.

4. The Tragic End of Benny Boisie

The story of Ronald Thomas Hannington is ultimately a tragic one, which is a key emotional driver of the *Joan* series. According to Joan Hannington’s account, Benny Boisie died prematurely. His death was a devastating blow to Joan, both personally and professionally, marking a significant turning point in her life and criminal career.

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The loss of her husband and criminal partner forced Joan to step out of his shadow and take full control of their operations. This tragic event is what ultimately pushed her to become the independent "Godmother of Grime," a title she earned by becoming a solo criminal mastermind capable of running a massive operation without her mentor.

5. The Historical Name Coincidence: Not the Missionary Bishop

For those researching the name, it is important to note a historical coincidence that can cause confusion. An earlier, completely separate figure also bore the name Ronald Thomas Hannington. This historical figure was a British missionary bishop who served in East Africa during the late 19th century.

This older namesake has no connection whatsoever to the 20th-century antique dealer and elite thief who married Joan Hannington. The current and relevant figure, Benny Boisie, is the one whose life story is captivating audiences today due to the fresh television adaptation of his wife's life. Always ensure the context is correct when discussing the modern figure known for his criminal exploits.

The Legacy of Ronald Thomas Hannington in Pop Culture

The recent dramatization of Joan Hannington’s life has cemented Ronald Thomas Hannington’s place in pop culture. The character of Benny Boisie, as portrayed in the ITV series, serves as a dark romantic figure—the experienced criminal who both loves and corrupts his partner. This narrative arc, focusing on the glamour and danger of their high-stakes life, has renewed public interest in the true facts of the London underworld in the 1980s.

His story is a cautionary tale about the allure of easy money and the inevitable tragic consequences of a life lived outside the law. For enthusiasts of true crime and biographical dramas, Ronald Thomas Hannington remains a crucial, if ill-fated, piece of the puzzle that is the incredible life of Joan Hannington.