Across
1
Gravelly area in bay? (6)
4
Much was right, leaders conceded (1,5)
9
Apprentice in utility room (4)
10
Cheating wanton finally repented at leisure (10)
11
Sherlock nicked sawn-off weapon (6)
12
Solidarity among rogues escaping justice (8)
13
Background checks lead to mortifying retreat (9)
15
Doctor accepts one’s a fetishist (4)
16
Sanctimony about holy books (4)
17
Wasted talent is a torment (9)
21
Shambolic friends making comeback with panache (8)
22
Reportedly drank case of amber liquid (6)
24
Cryptic clue ending in gratification (10)
25
Regularly spurned, turned to scotch (4)
26
Disheartened, docile wimps returned drunk (6)
27
Shy setter’s son lying about character (6)
Down
1
Spooner’s vastly superior crackers (7)
2
Current Head of Accounts loves paper clips (5)
3
Aspiring actress beginning to grasp essential elements of talent (7)
5
Traps extremely sportive sheep (3-3)
6
Ale during broadcast of part of speech (9)
7
Harry Potter inhaling drug in plane, perhaps at height (7)
8
Hypothetical computer resolved haunting crime (6,7)
14
Workers work with American and enjoy the change (9)
16
Roman’s first day in California draws to a close (7)
18
Overwhelmed by strain, queen hides here (7)
19
Wrongdoing of rising stable worker under scrutiny (7)
20
Ravel knocking back the Spanish fly (6)
23
Slice of exotic rum baba for Whit (5)