According to the Stuff.co.nz, AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd’s charge of attempting to procure murder has been withdrawn. Rudd, 60, appeared in the Tauranga District Court yesterday, charged with attempting to procure the murder of two men. He was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis and threatening to kill.
Rudd’s lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, said this afternoon the Crown solicitor withdrew the attempting to procure murder charge after a meeting between Mabey and police.
“The decision to charge Mr. Rudd was made by the New Zealand Police without consultation with the Tauranga Crown solicitor,” he said. The Crown solicitor said there was insufficient evidence to justify the charge and has withdrawn the charge, Mabey said.
The Crown solicitor’s office confirmed the charge had been withdrawn. “The charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid,” Mabey said.
“The Crown solicitor’s opinion was not sought.”
Mabey said Rudd would defend the threatening to kill charge. He described the drugs possession charges as “minor.”
“Mr Rudd has suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity as a result of widespread and sensational reporting of a very serious allegation, which on any basis was never justified.”
Rudd was released on bail after yesterday’s appearance.
According to the charges laid and now withdrawn by police, Rudd had tried to get two men killed, their names and that of the intended hitman were all suppressed by the judge.
Police were contacted for a response, and said a statement would be issued soon.
source: stuff.co.nz
33 Responses
You guys should do a google on this police dept. Back in April they were trying to convince the DA that he was distributing many many drugs and that never saw the light of day, then there was (supposably) assult charges (lie) which was moved up to these ‘attempted murder charges”……add to the fact there has been bad blood between Phil and basically the whole community for several years. Phil should seriously consider moving
Even with that major charge dropped he still has the others to contend to so I doubt he will be with the band anytime soon and still has to straighten out himself by the looks of it
Time to sue those bastards.
WTF?! Charging him and having world wide publicity BEFORE having enough evidence?! I know America has issues, but it’s stories like this that make you truly appreciate how lucky we are.
While the procuring murder charge was dropped, Phil is still not free and clear yet. Between threatening to kill someone and the meth possession, it’s clear Phil has issues to deal with. The last thing on Phil’s mind should be getting ready to tour with AC/DC. Like Malcolm did back in ’88 to deal with his alcoholism, Phil needs to step away and get help. The band would be wise to give or mandate a leave of absence to Phil, and let someone else sit behind the kit for the upcoming tour.