AC/DC’s drummer Phil Rudd was back in court today in New Zealand, he entered a a plea of not-guilty to two separate charges of threatening to kill and possession of a controlled substance.
The 60-year-old didn't appear in Tauranga District Court today (December 2nd) and the plea was entered by his lawyer, Paul Mabey QC.
It might have been a good thing the drummer didn't show up to court. His last appearance was a bizarre affair, Rudd not only turned up late, always a great way to curry favour with a judge, he jumped on the back of one of the security guards outside the courthouse, winked at astonished journalists, drummed a rhythm on the dock and then made his getaway in a sports car.
Rudd is still facing marijuana, mephamphetamine posession and threatening to kill charges, with the possibility that he could spend up to seven years in prison.
Rudd’s initial arrest for attempting to procure the murder of two people has been dropped, due to lack of evidence.
The New Zealand Herald reports that, Judge Tom Ingram said Rudd’s case is likely be heard at a judge-alone trial next year. Details of the complainant and three witnesses relating to the charge of threatening to kill will continue to be suppressed on the judge’s orders, following an application by Crown Prosecutor Greg Hollister-Jones.
AC/DC released their 15th studio album Rock Or Bust last week, it's their first since Black Ice, released in 2008. This is the band's first record without Malcolm Young. The band and his family both confirmed that the guitarist will not be returning to the group, due to health issues.
