Charges Dropped in AC/DC Drummer’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap Arrest, But…

About 24 hours ago, reports out of New Zealand offered details on how AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd had been arrested in a “murder for hire” scandal–or, more correctly “allegedly attempting to procure the murders of two men.” He was brought to court and then released on bail.

Now we hear that Greg Hollister-Jones,  the Crown Solicitor of Tauranga, New Zealand, where Rudd was arrested, decided to drop the charges due to “insufficient evidence.” However, there are still charges pending for “threatening to kill” along with possession of cannabis and meth.

Paul Mabey, Rudd’s lawyer, had this to say:

“I was advised by the Crown Solicitor Hollister-Jones that he had reviewed the police file and the available evidence to support the charge of attempting to procure murder. He had formed the view that there was insufficient evidence to justify that charge. He has now withdrawn the charge.”

The New Zealand Herald goes on to say:

This afternoon, the man who was named in court documents as the “intended hitman” told the Herald he believed the matter had blown out of proportion. He described himself as a “family man” – not a hitman – and said it was “good” the charges were dropped.

But he did not blame police, who he said were just doing their job.

Rudd will be stuck at his home until November 27 when the remaining charges will be heard.

Meanwhile, AC/DC said this:  “Phil’s absence will not affect the release of our new album Rock or Bust and upcoming tour next year.”

Hmm. That comes across as if they were expecting him to be absent. Witness this promo picture from last month that doesn’t feature Phil at all.