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Christchurch man appeals conviction for murdering childhood friend

March 22, 2024

David Benbow and Michael McGrath (Source: 1News)

A Christchurch man jailed for murdering his childhood friend is appealing both his conviction and sentence, the Court of Appeal has confirmed.

In October 2023 David Benbow was found guilty of Michael McGrath's 2017 murder, following an earlier trial where a jury was unable to agree a verdict.

McGrath's body has never been found and there was no murder weapon or forensic evidence.

McGrath, a builder aged 49, disappeared suddenly and without a trace in May 2017, shortly after starting a romance with Benbow’s ex-partner.

Weeks before McGrath's disappearance, Benbow said he wanted to “annihilate” him.

In March this year Benbow was sentenced to life with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years.

No date has been set for the hearing.

New Zealand Crime and Justice Christchurch and Canterbury

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