AC/DC Drummer Charged in Attempted Murder for Hire

[check two]

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged with attempting to arrange a murder in New Zealand, along with threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

According to the New Zealand news site SunLive, the 60 year-old drummer allegedly attempted to procure the murder of two men, and was arrested Thursday. His Taraunga home was raided Thursday morning and he later appeared in Tauranga District Court. He is expected to reappear in court in three weeks.

Rudd is accused of procuring the murder between September 25 and 26, according to court documents obtained by SunLive. The drugs were found in his home Thursday when police arrested him.

Rudd joined the Australian band in 1975, but was kicked out in 1983. He rejoined in 1994 and has been with the band ever since.

AC/DC will release their new album, “Rock or Bust,” later this year.

[The Hound]

That's what living in NZ will do to you

[The Hound]

Attempting to procure a murder charge against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd withdrawn

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd's charge of attempting to procure a murder has been withdrawn.
Rudd, 60, appeared in Tauranga District Court in New Zealand on Thursday charged with attempting to procure the murder of two men.


Their names and that of the intended hitman were all suppressed by the judge.
He was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis and threatening to kill.
Rudd's lawyer, Paul Mabey, QC, said on Friday afternoon that the Crown solicitor withdrew the charge after a meeting with 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The Crown Solicitor said there was insufficient evidence to justify the charge and had withdrawn the charge, Mr Mabey said.
The Crown Solicitor's office confirmed the charge had been withdrawn.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," Mr Mabey said. "The Crown Solicitor's opinion was not sought."
Mr 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.
"Mr Rudd is considering any possible remedies he may have."
Rudd was released on bail after Thursday's appearance.
A statement from Bay of Plenty police said the charges had been withdrawn by the Crown Solicitor.
"A search warrant was executed in Tauranga yesterday resulting in Mr Rudd being charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, threatening to kill and attempting to procure murder.
"After a first appearance in court he was bailed to reappear on November 27.
"In matters of this nature the Crown Solicitor then becomes responsible for the prosecution."
The Crown reviewed the charges today and made the decision to withdraw the charge of attempting to procure murder, it said.
The other charges remain before the court.
Police would not be providing further comment as the matter was before the courts.


http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/...07-11ij16.html

Sounds like the Kiwi police will receive a lawsuit soon, probably enough to bankrupt the entire country