Hi Packy... charges dropped...
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd: Procuring murder charge droppedKATIE KENNY
Last updated 15:03 07/11/2014
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd's charge of attempting to procure murder has been withdrawn.
Rudd appeared in Tauranga District Court yesterday and was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis and threatening to kill.
Rudd's lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, said this afternoon the Crown solicitor withdrew the 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The Crown solicitor said there was insufficient evidence to justify the charge and has withdrawn the charge, Mabey said.
The Crown solicitor's office confirmed the charge had been withdrawn.
"The charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid," Mabey said. "The Crown solicitor's opinion was not sought."
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."
Police were contacted for a response, and said a statement would be issued soon.
More soon.
...more at linkhttp://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/1 ... ge-dropped