AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd detained, released after scuffling with witness in his court case

Phil Rudd with AC/DC on 23 November 2008 in St. Paul, MN. Matt Becker / Wikimedia Commons.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Troubled AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was detained by police after getting into a scuffle with a witness in his pending court case but was released again without facing further charges.

Rudd’s lawyer Paul Mabey said Rudd appeared in court Thursday accused of breaching his bail conditions by associating with a witness. Mabey said it was a “chance meeting” and Rudd was released again on bail with no new charges.

Last month, police charged the 60-year-old drummer with threatening to kill, which comes with a maximum prison sentence of seven years, as well as possessing methamphetamine and marijuana. He has pleaded not guilty.

Columbus Coffee cafe owner Leo Rojas said Thursday that he witnessed Rudd curse and try to punch a larger man on the sidewalk outside the cafe.