The man charged with the murder of missing Halswell man Michael McGrath has appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning and has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The accused man is David Charles Benbow, aged 51. Benbow earlier had interim name suppression.
Police began investigating Mr McGrath’s disappearance in May 2017. The last sighting of him was May 21.
Simon McGrath spoke outside court in Christchurch today where the accused man entered a not guilty plea.
Benbow is charged with murdering Mr McGrath on May 22.
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Outside court Mr McGrath's brother Simon McGrath said, "We are elated with the progress and we hope we’re one step closer to finding Michael".
The next court appearance is scheduled for October 18 in the High Court.
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