Getting both sides of story told - Phil Rudd's lawyer

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd leaving Tauranga District Court with his lawyer, Craig Tuck, on December 4. Photo / File

AC/DC rocker Phil Rudd is fighting to reclaim a tattered reputation as his lawyer describes police handling of an attempt to procure murder charge as "inept and irresponsible".

Yesterday, Rudd spoke out for the first time since November 6 when police raided his Bureta home resulting in a highly publicised arrest which attracted international attention, saying: "Whatever happened to giving people a fair go?"

Rudd added that local support since the charges were laid had been overwhelming.

Speaking to the Bay of Plenty Times, Rudd's lawyer Craig Tuck said the procuring murder charge was dropped immediately when lawyers got involved and remaining charges would be defended.

"We are looking into what appears to be inept and irresponsible policing practices," Mr Tuck said.

He said a team of international lawyers was working to ascertain the extent of damages and appropriate reparation and relief to Rudd's 40-year career.

After police raided the 60-year-old rocker's Bureta home on November 6, Rudd was charged with attempting to procure murder, threatening to kill, and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

However, police then withdrew the attempting to procure murder charge the next day.

Mr Tuck told the Bay of Plenty Times that he questioned the procedure taken in which he alleged a police officer laid the charge at Tauranga District Court, before having it reviewed by a more senior officer or police prosecution staff - contrary to the standard protocol.

Rudd was arrested the next day as police officers raided his Harbour Drive home.

"We are looking at [spending] significant resources to fully explore the police procedures prior to a search warrant being executed..." Mr Tuck said.

Mr Tuck said it remained concerning that despite lawyers arriving at Rudd's home within 15 minutes of the police search beginning, the media were already there.

The damage to Rudd's reputation, especially at this age and stage of his life and career, had been significant - on a global scale, Mr Tuck said. "I appreciate and respect the responsible attitude taken by some media, including the Bay of Plenty Times, whereas others, particularly international media, took a wholesale, almost napalm-to-the-ground approach."

Mr Tuck said the intense spotlight thrust on his client had been "incredibly damaging" to his career and reputation.

Both men were now keen to mend what they could.

Mr Tuck said they were taking a "pathway of making sure the facts are right and making sure both sides of the story are told".

"Phil is very interested in how the media deal with it."

Bay of Plenty police spokeswoman Kim Perks said the decision to withdraw the charge was made by the Crown solicitor. She declined to comment further, as the matter was before the court.

Rudd remains on bail at his waterfront mansion. He is due back in the Tauranga District Court in February for a case review hearing on the threatening to kill charge, as well as possession of 130 grams of cannabis and 0.7g of methamphetamine. Rudd has denied the criminal offences and the case is likely to be defended at a judge-alone trial.

The story so far

Phil Rudd, 60, drummer for rock band AC/DC.

Arrested on November 6 for attempting to procure murder, threatening to kill, and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

On November 7 the charge of attempting to procure murder was dropped.

Arrested again on December 3 for breaching his bail after public fracas.