Times

[hope3fully]

16d in case, judge proceeded without kings evidence at 8 -a-k-t-d packeted?21d word to comfort a number with energy at rock-bottom 5 t-e-e there? 18a crack from srain having absorbed pressure 6 - - - e-t

[Lie-in King]

16d Jacketed (in case) - 'j(udge)' + 'acted' (proceeded, about) 'k(ings) e(vidence)'
21d There (as "there, there") - 'e' from 'three' dropped to bottom
18a Expert (crack) - 'p(ressure)' (in) 'exert' (strain)

[hope3fully]

many thanks Lie-in-King