Rudd's lawyer critical of cops

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd pleads guilty in Tauranga District Court yesterday. Photo / George Novak

The lawyer representing AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has criticised the way police handled the case - describing their actions as over the top.

Craig Tuck yesterday told the Bay of Plenty Times the actions of police in relation to the matter had been an "unnecessary" invasion.

Mr Tuck said the consequences of all the publicity about Rudd's arrest and being charged with attempting to procure a murder, a charge that was later withdrawn, had been immense.

"Research showed the publicity from Rudd's arrest and the charges he faced had sparked unprecedented publicity in the band's history.

"Even more so than the death of a band member."

His comments came after Rudd appeared in Tauranga District Court yesterday for what was to be a defended hearing but Rudd instead pleaded guilty to one charge each of threatening to kill, possession of cannabis and possession of methamphetamine.

Another charge of threatening to kill was withdrawn .

Rudd is seeking a discharge without conviction despite admitting he threatened to kill a former contractor after telling an associate he wanted the victim "taken out".

Research showed the publicity from Rudd's arrest and the charges he faced had sparked unprecedented publicity in the band's history.

Craig Tuck

Judge Robert Wolff did not enter convictions as Mr Tuck said he intended to seek a discharge without conviction when his client was sentenced on June 26.

Mr Tuck said it was only right in a "fair and justice society" that Rudd escaped conviction after suffering immense damage to his reputation and career.

"Phil has taken a mature and responsible approach by pleading guilty to the remaining charges and it is now hoped by doing so, this puts this whole matter into perspective.

"The threat to kill was an angry outburst which Phil regrets and he hopes to engage in a restorative justice conference with the victim so they can both get closure and start the healing process."

Outside court, Mr Tuck said he was working with a team of lawyers in the entertainment industry to ascertain the true extent of damage that resulted from the police handling of the case and to explore what legal avenues may be open to Rudd.

"We are certainly not minimising this offending, but want to put this matter into context including the actions of police." Mr Tuck said Rudd was not asking for special treatment but would be seeking a fair and just outcome for someone whose reputation and professional career had been damaged.

A subdued Rudd declined to comment as he left the court. Western Bay area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said police would not be commenting while this matter was before the court.