Crossword Genius

Today's fugitive, prisoner earlier (12)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

contemporary

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

'today's fugitive' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'prisoner earlier' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'prisoner' could be 'con' (abbreviation for 'convict') and 'con' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'temporary' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for contemporary that I've seen before include "current" , "Modern in style or design" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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