Crossword Genius

Defence attorney likes it better if leads not followed? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alibi

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'defence' is the definition.
(alibi is a kind of defence)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alibi that I've seen before include "Defence that one was somewhere else at the time of a crime" , "excuse given" , "Courtroom evidence" , "Answer to charge - was somewhere else" , "Lawyer's weapon, Latin for 'elsewhere'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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