Crossword Genius

Wicked thing in prison led astray (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

candle

'wicked thing' is the definition.
(a candle is a thing with a 'wick')

'prison led astray' is the wordplay.
'prison' becomes 'can' (the can is American slang for prison).
'astray' indicates an anagram.
'led' is an anagram of 'dle'.
'can'+'dle'='CANDLE'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for candle that I've seen before include "may be too expensive for game" , "Waxy light source" , "Wax light source" , "Lanced in light" , "Wax or tallow light" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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