News | Law and Order
19 Feb 2026 10:48
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      Home > News > Law and Order

    A former prison guard who murdered his childhood friend is appealing his conviction and sentence

    A former prison guard who murdered his childhood friend is appealing his conviction and sentence


    Christchurch builder Michael McGrath was last seen at his Halswell home in May 2017.

    David Benbow was charged with his murder two years later, and found guilty in 2023 after two trials.

    He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years in 2024.

    The Court of Appeal's confirmed a hearing date for Benbow's appeal on conviction and sentence, has been set for November 9 and 10.

    © 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

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