Police will not prosecute Ambrose over 'teapot tapes'

Police issue warning only to freelance photographer Bradly Ambrose.

Mr Ambrose gained notoriety in the run-up to last year's election when he left a microphone, in a bag, on a table where Prime Minister John Key and ACT leader John Banks were about to have what they later described as a private conversation.

The photographer – who denied intentionally recording the couple – asserted he could not retrieve it before being ushered outside.

At a press conference in Wellington this afternoon, police said Mr Ambrose had written a "letter of regret" over the incident.

Mr Key said he welcomed today's decision.

“I also welcome Bradley Ambrose’s letter of regret,” says Mr Key.

“I note that the Police statement today contains the comment that, while Mr Ambrose has been issued a warning, the police are clear that his actions were unlawful," the Prime Minister said.

“As the complainant in this matter, my views were sought by the Crown Solicitor on whether I thought Mr Ambrose should be prosecuted. In light of Mr Ambrose’s letter of regret, I indicated that I did not believe a prosecution was now necessary."

Mr Key added, “The decision announced by the Police today, and Mr Ambrose’s letter, allow all concerned to move on from the situation.” 

NZ First leader Winston Peters said the police investigation over the ‘teapot tapes’ was a waste of time and money and should never have gone ahead.

“Prime Minister John Key made a cynical complaint to the police merely to shut the issue down at election time. The whole affair was a debacle in a tea cup,” says Mr Peters.

Mr Peters also asks if it was a sheer coincidence that the Prime Minister happened to be overseas when the police released their decision not to charge the cameraman.

“In the past 24 hours Mr Key has said he is unconcerned that the cameraman was not charged. If this is the case, why did he lay the complaint in the first place?

“Why has the cameraman been taken to all this trouble and expense, including legal advice, when it was a political jack-up to start with.’’