Crossword Genius

Artist depicted backward native, causing offence (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arson

'offence' is the definition.
(crime of illegally starting a fire)

'artist depicted backward native' is the wordplay.
'artist' becomes 'RA' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'depicted backward' is a reversal indicator.
'native' becomes 'son' (a 'son' of a particular place is a native of it).
'ra' reversed gives 'ar'.
'ar'+'son'='ARSON'

'causing' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for arson that I've seen before include "criminal fire-raising" , "Criminal activity" , "major crime" , "Malicious burning to destroy property" , "It may get you in court" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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