Update : Charges dropped against AC/DC drummer

Updated version :

The drummer from the rock group AC/DC has had the charges of attempting to procure murder dropped against him.

Phil Rudd, who was accused yesterday of plotting to murder and possession of drugs, has had the murder charges removed after the prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to proceed with any case against him. The Australian born drummer, could still face up to seven years in prison for lesser charges of drug possession, when police found cannabis and methamphetamine.

The court hearing will be heard on November 27.

A spokesman for the rock band said in a statement that the long awaited Album release will still go ahead in December.

Original:

The drummer from the rock band AC/DC, has been indicted with two murder attempts and possession of drugs, after police raided his home in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Sixty-year-old Phil Rudd, is accused of hiring one person to kill two other people between September 25 and September 26, 2014. He is also accused of threatening to kill a complainant on one of these dates and possessing methamphetamine and cannabis.

During the court appearance, Rudd, who joined the band in 1975, stood barefoot in the court, as the charges were read out and despite being released on bail until November 27, has been ordered to stay in Tauranga and have no contact with anyone relating to the charges.

Media were gathered outside Tauranga District Court but Rudd refused to speak to anyone and quickly left in his Mercedes sedan.

If Rudd is convicted, he could face up to 10 years in jail.

Lead singer Brian Johnson reportedly told fans Rudd was absent from video shoots to promote the new album Rock or Bust, because of a “family emergency.”

AC/DC, who are due to release the long awaited album this month, are one of the highest grossing music acts of all time. They have had numerous hits including Back In Black, Highway To Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.