Trial T/JO/575

Trial Summary
Trial RefT/JO/575
CaseCoutts,Jonet
AccusedJonet Coutts
Trial Date21/11/1649
Location
ParishP/ST/1332
PresbyteryPeebles
CountyPeebles
BurghPeebles
Outcome
VerdictGuilty
SentenceExecution
DefenceNo
High StatusNo
Female Accusers5
Male Accusers3
Executed
Pre-Trial
Confronting SuspectsYes

Notes: Presbytery heard witness statements. Accused denied charges. Decide to refer case to GA. Commission from CoE issued as recorded by presbytery. She eventually made a confession which included references to covenant etc and naming other people. Later Biggar presbytery wanted her brought to confront those persons she named. The committee of estates ordered that she be brought around to confront all the people she denounced in the presbytery and town of Biggar.

DatePlaceLocationCentralRecordedTextRetracted
20/10/1649 Peebles — ✓ — —

DatePrisonLocationFate in Prison
6/1649Peebles
TolboothPeebles

DateBodyTypeSeal
4/1/1649Committee of EstatesJusticiary
4/12/1649Committee of EstatesInvestigation

CoEput some conditions on the commission. They were to report back to the exchequer by 10/12/1649, and they were not to burn Jonet Coutts until she confronted other suspects.

Commissioners to report back to the committee on 8/1/1650, and to confront those named by Coutts, and search them with a pricker, and imprison any who seem guilty.

DateAuthorityReason
28/6/1649General AssemblyPeebles presbytery want further advice
12/12/1649Committee of EstatesBiggar presbytery want her brought from Peebles

DateType
6/1649Bierricht (corpse bleeds)

NameMention TypeTrial OfDate
Marion Hunter Denounced T/JO/2203
Marioun Robiesone Denounced T/JO/583
Bessie Forrest Denounced T/JO/576
Marion Watsone Denounced T/JO/579

Trial Notes
Note that trial to be held.
Post-Trial Notes
No details of execution but referred to as a dead witch on 18/4/1650