A under-fire property developer has been charged over the quarrel which saw a car dealer's phone allegedly rescued from a swimming pool

In February - John Murphy started taking photos of high-profile Kenyon Clarke walking on Victoria Avenue in Auckland's Remuera.

Clarke allegedly crossed the street to confront Murphy, took his phone, and returned to his home.

Armed police shortly descended on his home, accompanied by a helicopter, and detained Clarke for questioning.

A lack of a charge led to Murphy filing a private prosecution against Clarke with the Auckland District Court for wilful damage.