This was capital offence — leader denied motive (6)

I believe the answer is:

reason

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'motive' is the definition.
(I know that reason is a type of rational motive)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for reason that I've seen before include "Explanation or justification" , "Logic and rationality" , "Capacity for rational thought" , "Motive; argue" , "issue" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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