In the spring of 1659, the burgh of Dumfries became the site of a significant judicial proceeding involving a group of individuals suspected of witchcraft, among them Janet McNaught. Although her origins were likely in Kirkcudbright, Janet was brought before the court in Dumfries to face charges that included attending a witches' meeting. Her case, documented under reference C/LA/3135, saw her appear alongside several other residents from the Kirkcudbright area, reflecting the period's frequent pattern of communal accusations and linked trials.
During the proceedings held on April 4, 1659, Janet maintained a plea of not guilty. Despite her denial, the judicial process moved forward, further complicated by the testimony of others, as she was explicitly named in the trials of Jonet Miller and Jannet Corsan. On April 5, the court reached a verdict of guilty. Following the conviction, Janet was sentenced to be executed, a process carried out by strangulation and burning. Her death remains a recorded outcome within the broader history of the Scottish witch trials of the mid-17th century.