A Christchurch killer has been sentenced to life behind bars for the murder of his childhood friend

Former prison guard David Benbow has been sentenced to life with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years for murdering Michael McGrath .

McGrath's body has never been found since he disappeared in 2017.

Detective Inspector Kylie Schaare is hopeful McGrath's family can begin processing their grief.

She says there's been no funeral, no memorial -- and have no where to visit since his body hasn't been returned.

McGrath's brother, Simon, wants our laws strengthened to match the 'no body, no parole' rule in some Australian states.

He says hopeful it will be considered as part of the law and order reforms.