AC/DC's Phil Rudd speaks out for first time

Former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd leaving Tauranga District Court with his lawyer, Craig Tuck, on December 04. Photograph by Andrew Warner.

AC/DC rock star Phil Rudd has spoken out for the first time since his attempting to procure murder charge was dropped.

"Whatever happened to giving people a fair go?" Rudd said. He added that local support since the charges were laid had been overwhelming.

Speaking to the Bay of Plenty Times this afternoon, Rudd's lawyer Craig Tuck described police efforts as "inept and irresponsible".

Mr Tuck said the initial charge of attempting to procure murder was dropped immediately when lawyers got involved and the remaining charges would be defended.

Mr Tuck said it remained concerning that despite lawyers arriving at Rudd's Bureta 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, he said.

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

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

Police said the decision to withdraw the charge was made by the Crown solicitor.

Police 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.