Possible Clues:

• Power state invested in magistrate to give pardon
• So to rip into the reeve may save one
• Delay or cancel (death sentence)
• Respite - stay of execution
• Postponement of trouble or sentence
• Temporary relief, like stay on death sentence
• Postpone punishment for the time being
• Broadcast previewer abandons with relief
• In which a hanging is permanently suspended?
• Let off salesperson with leaving dodgy review