Crossword Genius

Superhero charged with identity theft essentially in torturous case? (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

iron maiden

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'torturous case?' is the definition.
'iron maiden' can be an answer for 'case?' (I have seen 'case of torture' mean 'iron maiden' so perhaps 'case' could also mean 'iron maiden'). I am not sure about the 'torturous' bit.

'superhero charged with identity theft essentially' is the wordplay.
'superhero' becomes 'ironman' (Iron-Man is a Marvel superhero).
'charged with' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters charge into others).
'identity' becomes 'id' (abbreviation).
'essentially' means to look at the middle letters.
The centre of 'theft' is 'e'.
'id'+'e'='ide'
'ironman' enclosing 'ide' is 'IRON MAIDEN'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for iron maiden that I've seen before include "Box-shaped instrument of torture - no meridian (anag)" , "Instrument of torture (a hinged case lined with spikes)" , "used to inflict pain" , "Group" , "a suit, very sharp underneath the surface" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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