The Trial

Did Michael McGrath keep an appointment to shift some wood at David Benbow’s place? The prosecution says that’s where - and when - he was murdered. But the defence has doubts about Crown evidence involving the finer points of power consumption and CCTV footage.

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One relationship faltered and another blossomed.

Police argued that was a motive for murder.

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When Michael McGrath started looking less scruffy, his friends started talking.

When he failed to show for his weekly dinner with his mum, his new partner, Joanna Green, called the police, kickstarting an investigation that took six years to reach court.

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In May 2017 49-year-old builder Michael McGrath disappeared - almost without trace.

No crime scene was ever found. No weapon was ever found. No body was ever found.

So how could his longtime friend be arrested and charged with murder?

In February 2023, the trial of David Charles Benbow finally began. Benbow stood accused of murdering McGrath because he’d started a relationship with Benbow’s former partner, Joanna Green.

The prosecution said that, while based entirely on circumstantial evidence, its case was so comprehensive there could be no doubt Benbow was guilty.

The defence said detectives were biased, working hard to build a case against Benbow after he was identified as a prime suspect - by Green.

Stuff, New Zealand’s award-winning leader in true crime podcasts (Black Hands, The Commune, Gone Fishing) presents The Trial.

Journalists from the Christchurch Press newsroom spent weeks at the High Court and pored over hundreds of hours of recordings to create a compelling and in-depth insight into New Zealand’s criminal justice system.

Hear the evidence. Follow the twists and turns. Wait - for the verdict.

WARNING: This series contains some strong language and content that may upset some people.

For full written coverage of the trial from The Press newsroom in Christchurch, visit stuff.co.nz.

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