ITV drama "Joan" explores life of jewel thief Joan Hannington and her path to prison

The ITV drama "Joan" portrays the life of notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington, known for swallowing diamonds to steal them. The series highlights her struggles, including losing her child to foster care, and her life of crime in the 1980s. Joan Hannington did go to prison, but not for jewel theft. At age 24, she was sentenced to 30 months for using a stolen checkbook, before she became a diamond thief. After her release, she worked in a jewelry store and resumed stealing. The drama includes fictional elements, such as a violent raid and the death of her husband, Boisie, which did not occur as depicted. After Boisie's death, Joan left crime behind and started a new life in Islington.