David Benbow faces sentencing today

Convicted murderer David Benbow is not a man given to public emotion.

His staunch approach, which he maintained through two eight-week trials, will be tested as the High Court in Christchurch hears heart-wrenching victim impact statements at his sentencing today.

On December 10 last year, a jury in Benbow’s second trial found the 55-year-old guilty of murdering Michael McGrath, a Christchurch carpenter, on May 22, 2017. The two were Halswell stalwarts and had been friends since school.

Benbow, who has always maintained his innocence, will be in court again today to be sentenced by Justice Jonathan Eaton. The former prison guard, who thought he was too soft to work for Corrections, allegedly shot McGrath with his .22 rifle and then carefully disposed of the body and the rifle to leave no clues. The first trial ended in a hung jury in April last year.

The Crown said he was strongly motivated by anger and jealousy after he found out in late April 2017 that McGrath and his ex-partner, Joanna Green – who was the mother of Benbow’s two daughters – had started a romantic relationship. The discovery turned a “teddy bear” of a man into a violent killer, the Crown said.

Green, who McGrath described as her soul mate, is expected to provide a victim impact statement, as are McGrath’s brother Simon and father Kevin.

The evidence against Benbow, also a former telephone technician, was entirely circumstantial as police did not find McGrath’s body, a weapon or any forensic evidence despite extensive efforts.

Speaking outside court after the verdict last year, McGrath’s brother, Simon, said the result was welcomed by the family. “It is without doubt a hugely bittersweet moment,” he said.

Michael was a meticulous and talented builder who was loyal, humble and unassuming, his brother said.

“He is sorely missed.

“Michael has been taken away from us in the most cowardly, premeditated and murderous manner. The horrific nature, trauma, and legacy of this despicable act will haunt the family for the rest of our lives.”

Asked what he would say if he could say anything to Benbow now, McGrath responded: “Where is Michael?”

That question is not expected to be answered at today’s sentencing.