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Very slow today. Can anyone help please with 1a:
Prosecution’s responsibility involves a sound short probing (12) two words. No reliable letters yet...

Onus probandi

It’s a theme I’m very keen on.

Shout if you need any more.

Thank you. Never heard the phrase! But I have lots of the answers to the clues but no idea as yet how to fill the grid in the required fashion.
28a might help:
Finger in contact with back of the antique handle(6)

Like Jogamel, I’m plodding today, but help with 18a might help. ...”Sparkle on large ring carried by Merlin?” (6) Last or penultimate letter is L
Also 23a...”ancient character playing tunes during lively celebration” (9) Thanks

I have solved only a handful but this one I know.
Finger is 5 letter burgle. Handle is def.

Runestaff

Vervel

23a rune-stave ..anagram of tunes + rave i think....

Sorry autocorrect

Runestave

Thank you both. That’s helped me fill in a few more cells, but still quite a bit to go.

29a Production engineer to stop agitation without force (12)

6d John's talked up export cut (5)