Phil Rudd's murder plot charge dropped

Ac/Dc drummer Phil Rudd's murder plot charge has been dropped, just a day after his arrest in New Zealand.

The rocker, 60, stood accused of allegedly attempting to have two as-yet-unidentified men killed.

Police raided his Tauranga home on Thursday (06Nov14) and he was taken into custody. He later appeared in court, where he was hit with the attempt to procure murder charge, as well as additional charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, and threatening to kill.

He was released on bail under the condition he makes no contact with the man he allegedly tried to hire to carry out the killing.

However on Friday (07Nov14), Rudd's lawyer Paul Mabey announced the attempt to procure murder charge had been dropped due to insufficient evidence.

A statement to the New Zealand Herald reads: "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 He has now withdrawn the charge."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 other charges remain.

Mabey also hinted that Rudd may take legal action and sue authorities over the allegations.

He told TNZ, "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.

"The damage to Mr Rudd is incalculable."