No emotion from a Christchurch man after he was convicted of murdering his childhood friend.

David Benbow has been found guilty of murdering Michael McGrath in 2017.

The murder charge was proven with no body, no murder weapon and no forensic evidence.

The jury delivered its verdict, after deliberating for 18 hours over three days.

The Herald's Sam Sherwood was in court and says McGrath's supporters cheered when the guilty verdict was reached.

"Benbow himself was just emotionless when the verdict was read out. His mother, who sat on my side of the courtroom, let out a loud gasp."

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