He pleaded guilty to the charges in April, and today has been sentenced to eight months’ home detention, with the judge warning him that any breach of his conditions would mean a custodial sentence.
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Rudd’s attroney informed it his clientele was beneath strain during the time of offensive and suffering from medicines, and described the fall as just an enraged mobile phone call.
Police found marijuana and methamphetamine in several parts of Rudd’s home during a search of the house, the court summary said.
Judge Thomas Ingram told Rudd that there “was nowhere to hide” and that he would face jail if he was found to have any traces of drugs or alcohol in his system, according to the broadcaster.
He had faced a maximum of seven years in prison for threatening to kill a ex- employee, with prosecutors arguing for an 18-month term and the defence pleading for a discharge without conviction.
Rudd largely ignored questions from the waiting media pack upon arriving at court, but thanked his fans for their “fantastic” support.
There will be no “Jailbreak” for AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd.
In the meantime, AC/DC’s global Rock or Bust tour continues without Rudd.
Ingram was unmoved by claims from Rudd’s lawyers that a conviction would costs him tens of millions of dollars.
He also acknowledged that he had directly said to the victim he was going to kill him.
The Crown said Rudd acted in an intimidating and egotistical manner when he didn’t get outcome he wanted with his solo album.
Craig Tuck says the restorative justice process was a “complete putting back together” with the victim and there was resolution and healing.
Don’t look for Phil Rudd to be reclaiming his seat behind AC/DC’s drum kit anytime soon.
The charges follow a raid on his Bureta home previous year.
“You are a man that clearly has rehabilitative needs”, he said.
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Rudd, the only Australian-born member of AC/DC, moved to New Zealand in 1983 after leaving the band, to which he later returned in 1994.
