The Telegraph - CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO: 28,631 - Jan 9 2018

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Clues Answers
Almost pointless? These shouldn't be NEEDLES
Chaps in his punt adrift, needing correction PUNISHMENT
Complimentary alcohol for maverick FREESPIRIT
Demand work on radio NEED
Destroy small mollusc SCUTTLE
Fellow with good-hearted people MANKIND
Get below platform UNDERSTAND
Goes by the book for bye-byes, dropping off regularly OBEYS
Grant at university came to an end LETUP
Hearing discordant noise, about couple of seconds SESSION
Hire male to support company on pilgrimage COMMISSION
Hopelessness of French couple following son DESPAIR
I'm left with insect of value IMPORTANT
Insect bite -- upsetting GNAT
Large politician surrounded by drink AMPLE
Less intelligent trick he played THICKER
Clues Answers
Lose one's cool photograph SNAP
Management's right, perhaps DIRECTION
Neglected old glove with end cut off by daughter OMITTED
Numbers adult stuck on horses AMOUNTS
Out of practice in game, feisty after first half RUSTY
People in Berlin failing to grasp an infection source? GERMS
Press rush to dismiss Spain's leader URGE
Ran last in heat and fell to pieces? TROTTED
Roth novel with new spine THORN
Shriek going to church, avoiding a traipse in mud, by the sound of it SQUELCH
Sound from one getting grabbed by beak NOISE
Sprawling in robe, hug someone close? NEIGHBOUR
Weep, having broken last glass CRYSTAL
Work for Labour, for example? SYNONYM
Working age limited by choice OPERATION
Writer Muriel King resting against box lightly SPARK