[William Linch was sentenced to branding on 8 October 1684]

William Linch an Irish-man, Indicted, for that he, together with three others not yet taken, stole one silver Tankard, value 10 l. and one silver Tobacco-box, value 30 s. being the Goods of Richard Bycott of Sohoe-fields. Upon the Tryal, it appeared they came into Bycott's House to drink, whose Wife, but two Hours before, had lock'd up the said Plate in two several Trunks that stood in the Chamber where they first drank, from whence they sent first one and then another of their Companions, down to the Street-door to sing a Ballad; that by the help of that Noise it might not be heard when they pick'd the Locks of the said Trunk. It was proved this Linch confess'd, that Combes, one of his said Company, was more ingenuous than he in picking of Locks, and therefore was put upon it: but it being apparent they were all concerned, Linch was found Guilty.