According to Stuff.co.nz, the charge against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd of attempting to procure murder has been withdrawn. Rudd still faces one charge of threatening to kill as well as possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, which his lawyer described as "minor."Rudd's lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, said Friday afternoon (November 7) that the Crown Solicitor Greg Hollister-Jones withdrew the attempting-to-procure-murder charge after a meeting with Mabey and police in Tauranga, New Zealand.Mabey said: "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 He has now withdrawn the charge."He added: "The charge... 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 The charge is now withdrawn within 24 hours of Mr.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."He said his client had "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. Questions arise as to the degree of care taken by those responsible for arresting and charging him with attempting to procure murder."Mabey said Rudd would defend the threatening to kill charge. He described the drugs possession charges as "minor".Rudd's home in Tauranga was raided by police early Thursday and the 60-year-old drummer was taken to court, where he entered no plea to the charges. He was released on bail and was scheduled to reappear in court on November 27.
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