polymath 376

[jackheath]

16a a ballpoint pen containing a message smuggled into Irish prisons.
?o?n?e?a???r
I'm stuck, any help appreciated.
Jackheath

[pjwillcox]

There's a thread on this on the Q&P section. No-one as yet can say definitely, but it seems to be a choice of Ronnie Barker or Bonnie Parker.

[jackheath]

Apologies for delay, but thanks for suggestions. Have watched some episodes of "Porridge" to see if Ronnie Barker received messages in a pen, but no luck so far!
Bonnie Parker was half of Bonnie & Clyde, but I don't recall she sent messages to Clyde in a pen. Reckon I'll settle for Ronnie Barker.
Thanks very much for help. Hope you had a good Christmas and all the best for new year!

[Charm-lite]

But then again 'Parker' is a well known pen manufacturer!

Any clues on 32 Across "Come outside", Mike [S_R_E]

[pjwillcox]

Mike come outside is Sarne