Murder plot charge against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd dropped

A charge alleging that AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was involved in a murder plot was dropped Friday after New Zealand authorities found there was insufficient evidence, his lawyer said. “The charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid,” barrister Paul Mabey said in a statement. He said police did not consult prosecution lawyers before charging Rudd with “attempting to procure murder” following a raid at his luxury North Island mansion early Thursday. He said the case had attracted sensational worldwide publicity and Rudd, 60, had suffered “incalculable damage” and would consider “any possible remedies he may have”.

Questions arise as to the degree of care taken by those responsible for arresting and charging him.

Phil Rudd’s lawyer Paul Mabey

Rudd still faces a charge of threatening to kill, which Mabey said he would defend, as well as cannabis and methamphetamine possession charges, which the barrister described as “minor”. No comment was immediately available from New Zealand police. Meanwhile, a statement on AC/DC’s website said the case against Rudd would not affect the release of its upcoming album or its tour in 2015.

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