Release from accusation without payment (4,2,6)

I believe the answer is:

free of charge

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'release from accusation without payment' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'without payment' is the wordplay.
'without' becomes 'free of' (I've seen this in another clue).
'payment' becomes 'charge' (I've seen this before).
'freeof'+'charge'='FREE OF CHARGE'

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(Other definitions for free of charge that I've seen before include "On the house" , "Gratis" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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