Michael McGrath. Photo: NZ Police
A second trial gets under way in Christchurch today for David Benbow who is accused of the murder of his childhood friend Michael McGrath.
Michael McGrath was last seen in May 2017 and his body has never been found.
In 2019, David Benbow was charged with murdering McGrath with a firearm.
Benbow, 54, has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His first trial got under way in February 2023, but after seven weeks of evidence followed by three days of deliberation, the jury said they could not reach a verdict.
Crown prosecutors alleged Benbow killed his childhood friend after McGrath began a relationship with his ex-partner.
Benbow's defence lawyer, Marc Corlett KC, however had told the jury to keep an open mind.
He said the Crown's theory was flawed, as hollow as an Easter egg and did not reach the standard of proof required.