The rock community was stunned yesterday when news hit of longtime AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd being arrested for trying to hire a hitman. Rudd was also picked up with marijuana and methamphetamine possession.
Good news for Rudd fans. According to Stuff.co.nz, the charges have been dropped.
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The Crown solicitor said there was insufficient evidence to justify the charge and has withdrawn the charge, Mabey said.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 charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid," Mabey said.
"The Crown solicitor's opinion was not sought."
While Rudd's lawyer calls the drummer's possession charges minor, he is still being tried for those offenses. The drugs were found after a warrant was obtained to retrieve evidence proving his attempt to solicit murder. No word on when Rudd would be tried for the possession charges. Rudd's lawyer accurately mentioned that Rudd "suffered unnecessary and extremely damaging publicity" which clearly will tarnish his reputation regardless of the dropped charges. If this was happening in America, Rudd would be suing the government like there was no tomorrow.
Rudd is currently free on bail. We'll keep you posted with more developments.
