Crossword hat-trick

Cryptic No 1519 (answers in next week’s paper)

ACROSS

3. This is emptied before a crossexamination (6,3)

8 &5Dn. What restricts the prison sentence? (4,5)

9. In favour of the role I take, as far as I’m concerned (3,2,4) 10. They hold sway and draw the line unswervingly (6) 11 & 16Ac. Starchy potion? (5,5) 14. Hold forth from the floor at exhibitions (5) 15. Loud deed, but there’s nothing false about it (4) 16. See 11 Across 18. A thousand embroiled in strike – it’s a racket (4) 20. A skilled operator required for a small department (5) 21. Having few orders to execute for fuel (5)

24. Frolic will land the doctor in prison (6)

25. Automatic process – in which horologists indulge! (9) 26. They may be full of beer, the fools (4) 27. Tick off – because one’s frock has slipped? (5,4)

DOWN

1. Outstanding directorate? That’s right in the main (9)

2. Weapons for diminutive members! (5,4) 4. The leading characters of any movement openly support a prophet (4) 5. See 8 Across 6. Give a hint that the cue needs repairing? (3,3) 7. The monster is therefore coming back (4) 9. Loud part of an instrument is delivered (5) 11. The kind of insect not to let go? (5) 12. Turn round and stand up to a fight (4,5) 13. Give fewer details, having been deprived of citizenship (9)

17. When seen in Arctic waters, it looks the same either way (5) 19. Strides round fifty locations (6) 22. A supplier of milk the editor intimidated (5) 23. A slight incoherence in speech (4) 24. A bit of meagre wealth increased (4)