File: Phil Rudd, drummer for rock band AC/DC, leaves a court house in Tauranga, New Zealand (Associated Press photo)
Tauranga:
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd showed up late for a New Zealand court appearance and clowned around by jumping on the back of one of his security guards outside the courthouse.
Rudd didn't enter a plea during his brief appearance on Wednesday.
The 60-year-old is charged with threatening to kill, which comes with a maximum prison sentence of seven years, as well as possessing methamphetamine and marijuana.
Citing a lack of evidence, prosecutors earlier dropped a more serious charge that alleged Rudd tried to hire a hit-man to kill two people.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported that during his appearance, Rudd winked at reporters, drummed a rhythm on the dock and then sped away from the courthouse in a black sports car.
Rudd's future with the popular Australian band remains uncertain.
Rudd didn't enter a plea during his brief appearance on Wednesday.
The 60-year-old is charged with threatening to kill, which comes with a maximum prison sentence of seven years, as well as possessing methamphetamine and marijuana.
Citing a lack of evidence, prosecutors earlier dropped a more serious charge that alleged Rudd tried to hire a hit-man to kill two people.
The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported that during his appearance, Rudd winked at reporters, drummed a rhythm on the dock and then sped away from the courthouse in a black sports car.
Rudd's future with the popular Australian band remains uncertain.
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