The man charged with the murder of Michael McGrath has pleaded not guilty in the Christchurch District Court.
He was granted interim name suppression and will reappear later in October.
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Police announced a man had been arrested and charged with McGrath's murder on Monday, two years after the 51-year-old builder disappeared.
"Our thoughts are with the McGrath family today as they come to terms with the fact that the arrest confirms their worst fears," said Christchurch Detective Inspector Kylie Schaare said on Monday.
"While Michael's family were realistic that Michael would not be found alive, I am sure a small part of them hoped they were wrong."
Schaare said police have not yet found McGrath's body but are determined to do so.
Newshub.
