Crossword Genius

Bumbling constable has fruit on stalk (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dogberry

'bumbling constable' is the definition.
(character in Much Ado About Nothing)

'fruit on stalk' is the wordplay.
'fruit' becomes 'berry' (berry is a kind of fruit).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'stalk' becomes 'dog' (dog can mean to follow or stalk).
'berry' after 'dog' is 'DOGBERRY'.

'has' is the link.

(Other definitions for dogberry that I've seen before include ""Much Ado" policeman" , "Foolish constable" , "Fruity" , "A muddle-headed character" , "Constable in Shakespeare play" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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