Mel C discovers great-grandfather was charged with embezzlement
In a shocking revelation on the latest episode of Who Do You Think You Are? Spice Girl Melanie C found out about her family's criminal history.
The 50-year-old singer delved into her mysterious Irish roots and stumbled upon a surprise - her four times great grandfather was an embezzler, charged in 1860.
She learnt that ancestor Thomas Keefe had climbed the social ladder from orphan to insurance manager in booming Bristol, only to fall foul of the law over £2 eleven shillings, which is equivalent to about £200 today.
While meeting with insurance historian James Kneal, he told Melanie: "Insurance was big back then and companies were looking for people to sell home insurance to ordinary people and he was a baker so he knew a lot of people so he worked his way up to manager."
Displaying intrigue, Melanie responded: "I've been finding out about my four times great grandfather. I think 1858 we picked him up here in Bristol and he is working in insurance but seven years before he was a baker."
Mel was handed an official document by her co-host, who cautioned: "But things start to get a little complicated.", reports Wales Online.
As she perused the paper, Mel interjected: "So we've got the Bristol Daily Post and this is July 1860. Bristol Police Court, eeek ok'".
She read on with growing intrigue: "'Ohhhh Mr Keefe charged with embezzlement. No. Mr Thomas Daniel Keefe, of three Clifton-place, Stapleton Road was brought up on a warrant, charged with having embezzled £2 eleven shillings."
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James chimed in to provide context: "Today that is probably £200 or more so it isn't a small sum to be stealing." Mel, clearly shocked, exclaimed: "'I need to read on, I need to get to the bottom of this."
The story took a turn when Mel discovered that the charges against Thomas were eventually dropped after it emerged he was innocent, though the ordeal forced him to relocate and reinvent himself professionally.
Thomas even altered his surname to O'Keef and carved out a new path in politics, becoming known for his public speaking prowess.
Who Do You Think You Are? is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
