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Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Nov 6, 2014 17:17:25 GMT -6
variety.com/2014/music/news/acdc-drummer-phil-rudd-arrested-1201349226/AC/DC Drummer Charged in Attempted Murder-for-Hire Plot 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. In 2010, he was charged for cannabis possession under his legal name, Phillip Witschke. AC/DC will release their new album, “Rock or Bust,” later this year.
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Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Nov 7, 2014 8:58:14 GMT -6
www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/murder-plot-charge-ac-dcs-747347Murder-Plot Charge Against AC/DC's Phil Rudd Dropped He still faces charges of threatening to kill & drug possession, but the most serious charge has been dropped AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd is no longer facing a charge of hiring a hitman to carry out two killings, according to New Zealand media reports. Rudd's legal counsel Paul Mabey said the most serious charge against the 60-year-old, of attempting to procure a murder, has been withdrawn by NZ police following consultation with the Tauranga crown solicitor (similar to a district attorney in the U.S.) and senior police on Friday (Nov. 7). The "hitman" charge was laid by police without consulting the crown solicitor, Mabey said. "The charge alleging an Attempt to Procure Murder should never have been laid. The Crown Solicitor's opinion was not sought. The charge is now withdrawn -- within 24 hours of Mr Rudd's first appearance in Court," Mabey said in a statement. The other charges of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamines and cannabis remain. Rudd will defend the charge of threatening to kill, Mabey said, adding that the drug possession charges are minor. Rudd was arrested at his home in Tauranga, New Zealand, on Thursday morning and received bail following a court appearance on Thursday afternoon local time. In the statement, Mabey said Rudd had suffered "incalculable" damage to his reputation. "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." He added that Rudd is considering any possible remedies he may have. Rudd remains out on bail until his next court appearance on Nov. 27. AC/DC said in a statement Friday, following Rudd's arrest, that "Phil's absence will not affect the release of our new album Rock or Bust and upcoming tour next year." This article first appeared on Billboard.com
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