Update, November 7: In an unexpected U-turn by New Zealand’s authorities, the charge of attempting to procure murder has been dropped.

Phil Rudd’s lawyer, Paul Mabey QC, 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 He has now withdrawn the charge.”

The man who was named in court documents as the “intended hitman” told the New Zealand Herald that the matter had been blown out of proportion, describing himself as a “family man”, not a hitman. The Herald adds that the man did not blame police, who he said were just doing their job.

Rudd still faces the remaining charges, and could face a maximum of seven years if convicted of threatening to kill.

Dirty deeds done dirt cheap?

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was arrested at his New Zealand home this morning on charges of attempting to procure a murder. Police allege Rudd attempted to hire a hitman to execute the killing of two people. Police raided Rudd’s home and also charged him with possession of cannabis and possession of methamphetamine.

He appeared in New Zealand’s Tauranga District Court this afternoon after being in custody since 7am and was granted bail. Rudd did not enter a plea to the charges and will reappear in court in three weeks.

[via Sydney Morning Herald]

Update, November 7: TMZ reports that Rudd has been cleared of attempting to hire a hitman according to his attorney. The charge of attempting to procure a murder has been withdrawn although the drummer still faces drug possession charges for methamphetamine and marijuana as well as a threatening to kill charge.