Benbow trailer

The Trial

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.

Need more great true crime podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here.

CREDITS

Scripted, hosted and produced by Michael Wright

Sound design, audio editing and mixing by Connor Scott

Visual design: Kathryn George

Associate producer: Jen Black

Consulting producer: Adam Dudding

Legal checks: Genevieve O'Halloran and Courtney Grenfell

Executive producer: Chris Reed

Special thanks: Kamala Hayman, Martin van Beynen and Jake Kenny from The Press newsroom

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