A criminal information was filed in the King's Bench against Williams: he pleaded the privileges of Parliament in vain: he was convicted and sentenced to a fine of ten thousand pounds.

A large part of this sum he actually paid: for the rest he gave a bond.

The Earl of Peterborough, who had been injuriously mentioned in Dangerfield's narrative, was encouraged, by the success of the criminal information, to bring a civil action, and to demand large damages.

Williams was driven to extremity.

At this juncture a way of escape presented itself.