New Zealand police have decided not to press charges against a freelance cameraman who Prime Minister John Key claimed illegally recorded a private conversation.

On Nov. 11, in the run-up to New Zealand's general election, cameraman Brad Ambrose left a recording device running on a cafe table while Key met with a political ally, John Banks. Key had earlier met with media at the cafe. The recording was leaked online and included a couple of coarse comments by Key.

Key's party won the election but fell short of an outright majority.

Police Assistant Commissioner Malcolm Burgess said Monday that although there was a clear case against Ambrose, a warning was sufficient because he had no previous criminal record and wrote letters of regret to Key and Banks.