Stout fellow broke the law in the beginning (8)
I believe the answer is:
stalwart
'stout' is the definition.
(I know that stout can be written as stalwart)
'broke the law in the beginning' is the wordplay.
'broke' indicates an anagram.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'the beginning' becomes 'start' (start is a kind of beginning).
'law' with letters rearranged gives 'alw'.
'alw' inserted into 'start' is 'STALWART'.
'fellow' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stalwart that I've seen before include "Dependable figure" , "Loyal, reliable and hardworking" , "Strong and reliable" , "Staunch; loyal" , "Staunch supporter" .)