'Murder Plot' charges against Phil Rudd dropped, statement from his lawyer

November 6, 2014

UPDATED 3.08pm: The Bay of Plenty Times visited Rudd's house again this afternoon. Although Rudd declined to talk to reporters, a reporter at the scene said the atmosphere at the house was much more relaxed than yesterday.

3.02pm: Police are expected to make a statement shortly in response to the dropping of procuring a murder charge which saw AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd appear in Tauranga District Court yesterday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner referred the Bay of Plenty Times to a police spokeswoman, who in turn said a statement would be release shortly in relation to the charges being dropped.

EARLIER: In a press release sent out this afternoon Rudd's lawyer Paul Mabey QC said: "I was advised by the (Tauranga) Crown Solicitor, (Greg) 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 He has now withdrawn the charge."

A spokeswoman for Mr Hollister-Jones confirmed the procuring charge had been withdrawn.

More soon.

The full press release:

Paul Mabey QC on behalf of Phillip Rudd

Mr Rudd appeared in Court yesterday charged with Attempting to Procure Murder, and also Threatening to Kill, Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Methamphetamine.

Some members of the media published his name, together with details of those charges, before Mr Rudd appeared in Court.

When Mr Rudd appeared in Court, he was photographed. He was bailed to return at a later date.

As a result of his appearance he has received worldwide publicity focusing upon the allegation of Attempting to Procure Murder.

The decision to charge Mr Rudd was made by the New Zealand Police without consultation with the Tauranga Crown Solicitor.

I am engaged to represent Mr Rudd on instructions from his solicitor, Karen Gravatt, of Sharp Tudhope Solicitors, Tauranga. I met today with the Tauranga Crown Solicitor and Senior Members of the Police.

I was advised by the Crown Solicitor, Mr 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 He has now withdrawn the charge.

Mr Rudd will defend the charge of Threatening to Kill. Charges relating to any personal possession of drugs are minor.

The charge alleging an Attempt to Procure Murder should never have been laid. The Crown Solicitors opinion was not sought. The charge is now withdrawn - within twenty four hours of Mr Rudd's first appearance in Court.

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. Questions arise as to the degree of care taken by those responsible for arresting and charging him with Attempting to Procure Murder.

Citizens are entitled to a responsible exercise of the power to charge which, as is proved here, can give rise to potentially irreversible damage if that power is not exercised responsibly.

Mr Rudd is considering any possible remedies he may have.

Paul Mabey QC

Source: The Bay of Plenty Times, New Zealand