Christchurch man sentenced to life for murder of childhood friend

Photo: David Benbow was sentenced in the High Court in Christchurch for murdering Michael McGrath Photo / Alden Williams

Christchurch man David Benbow has received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for 17 years for killing his childhood friend.

Michael McGrath, aged 49, vanished from his Halswell residence in May 2017, with plans to see Benbow the following day.

Although Benbow initially stated McGrath failed to appear as expected, he was later convicted in October for McGrath's murder.

Detective Inspector Kylie Schaare said “today was about Michael’s family finally having a voice and being able to say through their Victim Impact Statements the terrible reality that the last nearly seven years has been for them.

“I acknowledge Michael’s family, his Mum, Dad, brother, partner, and friends who have conducted themselves with so much dignity and grace throughout this long journey, which has culminated in sentencing of the offender today.

“They epitomise what it means to be heroes, they have shown immense courage dealing with a loss no family should have to endure.

“The impact of losing Michael, as we heard in court today, is life long and deeply unfair.

He was the happiest he had been when he was taken by the cruel and callous actions of another, something that can’t be rationalised and that has long lasting ripple effects for all those who knew and loved Michael” Schaare said.

“His family and friends have endured the stress of a long investigation, two trials and having their loved one and their own lives laid bare in a court room.

“Today’s sentence doesn’t alter the grief and loss they have endured, nothing brings Michael back, but I hope they can now start to process their grief and pain and find a way to move forward” Schaare said.

“That is made even more difficult by not having Michael returned to them, so he can be put to rest with dignity and his family could have a place to visit and remember him.

I would also like to acknowledge our investigation team, all those who have worked tirelessly during the past nearly seven years to find answers for Michael's loved ones” Schaare said

“This investigation has been a massive undertaking and I give particular thanks to the Police trial team and the Crown Prosecution team, who have spent months away from their own families during the investigation and trials and have been so committed and professional throughout.”