Punched, as criminal might be (6)
I believe the answer is:
cuffed
This clue is a double definition.
'punched' is the first definition.
'as criminal might be' is the second definition.
(cuffed is short for handcuffed)
(Other definitions for cuffed that I've seen before include "Hit" , "Struck with open hand, probably around ears" .)
I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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