Lindsay,James
Case Reference: C/LA/2958
Case Summary
| Case Ref | C/LA/2958 |
|---|---|
| Accused | James Lindsay |
| Case Start Date | 19/3/1697 |
| Case Date | 19/5/1697 |
| Age at Case | 14 |
| Common Name | Lindsay,James |
|---|
Characterization
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Demonic | — | ✓ |
| Demonic Possession | — | ✓ |
| Other | ✓ | ✓ |
Other details: turned state's evidence for prosecution
Notes: He was suspected then determined to be a witness not a suspect due to young age. Complicated case involving numerous accusations of murdering children through magical strangulation and possession of several children. Much of the evidence was derived from the testimony of children who claimed to be possessed and tormented by witches. But there was great concern over the murdered children and a murdered minister. The record describes the physical torment of the possessed children in great detail. An extraordinary document!
| Source | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court Books | JC10/4 fo. 1r-81r second pagination | |
| Privy Council | PC1/51 p. 136-9 |
Trials (1)
| Trial Ref | Date | Year | Verdict | Sentence | Execution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T/LA/1200 | No |
Case Notes
Mentioned in the closing arguments of the last day of the only group trial to come out of the 1697 Renfrewshire cases. Accused but not indicted for witchcraft. Instead he and his brother were witnesses. Deemed too young to have made a viable pact with the Devil. Was not indicted with the large group on 13/4/1697 or tried with the seven who actually stood trial on 12/5/1697.