Farmhand a regular marijuana user, court told

A friend of a Taranaki farmhand, who police say was killed by his father, has given evidence about his drug use at a trial in New Plymouth today.

The Crown said David Roigard murdered Aaron Roigard in June last year when he could no longer conceal from his son that he had stolen about $60,000 from him.

Under cross examination, a sharemilker Tim Wright said Aaron Roigard was a regular marijuana smoker, who often used the drug when stressed.

The 27-year-old used synthetic drugs when marijuana was unavailable, Mr Wright said.

He has been missing since June 2014, when he was last seen on his way to meet his father to sign papers for a farm he believed he was buying.

Aaron Roigard has not been seen since leaving his home and his body has not been found.