Inquisitor 1287

[Neveracrossword]

I'm halfway through, but have been stuck on these for ages.

8 D. Local producer of bolts, say, ultimately has no barrels (4) s??b
2 D. Charles may be preferred by one organiser having a little setback embracing independence (9) a???????r


NB The preamble says that each clue has a misprint in the definition.

[kettledrum]

Snob? Hidden word; producer of boots

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks - I'd thought of 'snob' but didn't know it could mean a shoemaker.

[kettledrum]

You're welcome.
On reconsideration, although it IS a hidden word, the logic is:
S = ultimately has
No = no
B = abbreviation for barrel(s)

[Larper]

I have only one letter in one answer to get, but think I must have gone wrong somewhere.
48 A. Toil on land in North once with spades and tackle (4) g?at

There's a misprint in the definition in clues - in this one it's an 'l'. I'd be grateful for any advice.

[Red Dave]

SCAT is a land toll from S ( spades ) and CAT ( tackle )

[Larper]

Thanks - because of the highlighting, I realised I needed that 'c', so am now fixing the obviously wrong Down answer.

[Neveracrossword]

I now have a full grid. I know the theme and have managed to 'rub out' four of the criminals - but I can't track down the fifth (whose name I know). I can see what is to be highlighted - is the removal of the fifth criminal necessary. (I assume it is, am just struggling!)
Thanks for any advice or information - and apologies to those without this crossword, this will sound like nonsense.

[boreas]

I think I can rub out four of the gang, but can't spot the ringleader

[Neveracrossword]

Boreas, I'm glad to hear that - I thought I was missing something very obvious in my grid. It's annoying to be so near and yet so far. I'll have another stare. PS It sounds as if your escaped criminal is the same as mine.

[boreas]

Hi Never,

I made that post before I saw yours. Great minds again.

Have you any idea what 'sequentially' means?

[boreas]

Hi Never, can that be him lurking at 41?

[Neveracrossword]

My four are deleted in order - and they have to be, for the rubbing out to work. The one I'm left with is definitely last...in the series/plot/whatever.

[Neveracrossword]

Mmm, if I'm honest, I don't really like that much! It doesn't seem to be a recognised abbreviation, title, whatever.

[boreas]

Chambers gives it as a four letter abbreviation

[boreas]

I am getting it from first 2 letters of 41D and last 2 letters of 40A

[Neveracrossword]

My 41 D doesn't end with 'f' - so I was maybe looking at the wrong bit. I can see that word/abbreviation nearby, but the others are all in direct lines - the preamble mentions "criminals who otherwise appear 'straight' ".

[boreas]

Er. . . . I think I have made a fundamental error in the rubbing out. But I have put this right, and realise it can't start at 41.

[boreas]

It was just the first 2 letters of 41D . . and the last 2 of 40A

[Neveracrossword]

Sorry, I'm getting confused now!

[Neveracrossword]

Boreas, I should have added that the other reason I'm not too happy with your suggestion is the 'sequentially' bit. We could rub out your ???? at any time.