Cryptic crossword clue
Despatched criminal leader in need to reform 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SENTENCED

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
E
N
T
E
N
C
E
D

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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SENTENCED mean?

SENTENCED verb
  1. To declare a sentence on a convicted person; to doom; to condemn to punishment.
  2. To decree or announce as a sentence.
  3. To utter sententiously.

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