Jonet Mathie, a 50-year-old widow from Pollokshaws in Paisley, found her life irreversibly altered in the early months of 1677. As the wife of an under-miller, she occupied a middling socioeconomic position, yet the scrutiny of the authorities descended upon her household with devastating intensity. The legal proceedings were not confined to Jonet alone; her three children were also swept into the accusation, including her daughter, who was noted as underage, and her third son, who was at least 25 years old. During the period of her confinement, records indicate that Jonet was subjected to the use of stocks, a common measure utilized during the interrogations of the era.
The judicial process moved with alarming speed. Though a Privy Council commission had been issued for her trial, the proceedings took place in Renfrew before a local court that included central representation from Edinburgh officials, as recorded in the circuit court minutes. On 14 February 1677, Jonet was found guilty of charges including *maleficium*—the practice of harmful magic—and attendance at witches’ meetings. Six days later, on 20 February 1677, the sentence was carried out at the Gallow Green. In accordance with the judicial practices of the time, Jonet was executed by being strangled and burned.