The case against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd continues to get worse. Details of the allegations against the percussionist were released last week, and they are pretty rough. His murder-for-hire charge was already dropped, and Rudd pled not guilty to the remaining threatening-to-kill and drug-possession charges. Now New Zealand prosecutors claim Rudd called the victim and threatened to kill him and his 10-year-old daughter in September, The Guardian reported.
According to the publication, Rudd had made a phone call prior to threatening the victim in which he spoke to a third party and outlined what he wanted to do. The drummer did not deny possessing methamphetamine or marijuana. He will return to court Feb. 10.
Police in New Zealand raided Rudd's home in November, executing a search warrant when they found the drugs. The charge of trying to procure the services of a hitman was dropped shortly after his arrest when prosecutors decided there was not enough evidence for the claim.
"The charge alleging an attempt to procure murder should never have been laid," Rudd's lawyer said in a statement. "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."
Rudd's bandmates soldiered on without him as his legal woes unfolded. The band released its 15th studio effort, Rock or Bust, last week and have said that Rudd's problems will not affect a planned tour. No word on whether or not he will be welcomed back if he is found not guilty.
If found guilty of threatening to kill, Rudd could go to jail for up to seven years.
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