Rudd returns to court for sentencing on revised charges

Rocker Phil Rudd is due to be sentenced on charges of threatening to kill and possessing methamphetamine and cannabis today, following a series of colourful court appearances.

A heavy media contingent has arrived at Tauranga District Court for the sentencing.

A media pack including major Australian news organisations have gathered in and outside the courthouse, which is expected to be packed when the sentencing gets underway.

Rudd is expected to arrive supported by his family.

The Tauranga-based drummer, who has claimed his former band AC/DC have shut him out since he was arrested last year, pleaded guilty to the charges in April. Police dropped charges of attempting to procure a murder, which caused an international media storm which the 61-year-old's lawyer, Craig Tuck, claimed had generated more publicity around the band than the death of its former lead singer Bon Scott.

Mr Tuck has previously indicated he would be seeking a discharge without conviction, which he said was only right given the damage to Rudd's reputation and career.

Rudd has admitted to telling an associate he wanted a former employee "taken out" and asked them how the person could be "taken care of".

In another phone call to the associate, while he was still in Australia, he offered him $200,000, a motorbike, one of his cars or a house, according to court documents.

The matter stemmed back to August last year, when Rudd was angry the launch of his solo album, Head Job, did "not go well", leading him to sack a number of employees - including his would-be victim with whom he was "particularly angry".

The employee also received some angry phone calls from Rudd, who at one point told him he was "going to come over and kill you".

In May, Rudd told Australian media his current bail conditions would have allowed him to rejoin the band on its Rock or Bust tour, but the group had ignored his pleas.

The band has since confirmed Chris Slade will be in the drummer's seat when it plays in Auckland and Wellington in December.