Murder charge against AC/DC drummer dropped

The charges were dropped against the Highway to Hell rocker due to 'lack of evidence'.

15:31 07 November 2014

The murder charge against world famous drummer Phil Rudd has been abruptly dropped by New Zealand authorities due to lack of evidence. However, the 60-year-old drummer for AC/DC is still being charged for drug possession and threatening to kill.

Meanwhile, the “intended hitman” said that the incidence had been blown out of proportion. He later added that any suggestion of a murder plot was simply “hot air.”

The drummer’s lawyer Paul Mabey QC said in a statement: "The charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid".

Mr Mabey added: "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."

Meanwhile, Tauranga Crown Solicitor Greg Hollister-Jones said in a statement, "The file was obtained today and reviewed.” He added that he had "made the decision that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the charge of attempting to procure murder."

"Usually you'd expect police to lay a basic charge, a holding charge," he said. "Then, maybe when they've got more witnesses and evidence, they could go for a more complicated charge. I don't understand the rush."