A MUSICIAN has appeared in court charged with the murder an 18-year-old girl who vanished on her way to meet her boyfriend.
Bobbi-Anne McLeod, 18, was last seen at a bus stop near her home in Plymouth at around 6.15pm on Saturday.
Cody Ackland, 24, was arrested on suspicion of murder after police searching for her found a body eight miles from where she vanished.
The musician, who was not known to the teen, appeared at Plymouth Magistrates Court today charged with murder.
Ackland, wearing a grey tracksuit and a blue face mask, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.
He was remanded in custody to next appear at Plymouth Crown Court on November 29.
A 26-year-old man arrested for the same offence has been released with no further action.
Ackland is a lead guitarist in Plymouth with indie rock group Rakuda, who regularly toured the city.
He is also the main songwriter and performed with his bandmates on BBC South West radio.
His bandmates announced today they will be disbanding as a mark of respect to Bobbi-Anne.
They said: "The remaining members of Rakuda; Josh, Ross, Josh and Mike are all extremely shocked and in complete disbelief by the tragic event that has unfolded over the last several days.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobbi-Anne McLeod’s family and friends who must be devastated at their loss.
"As a mark of respect, we have decided that we shall not be going forward as a band and will be disbanding with immediate effect.
"We will not be making any further comments at this time."
Police arrested Ackland after a body was discovered around eight miles from where Bobbi-Anne vanished.
They later confirmed there is "no known link" between him and Bobbi-Anne.
TEEN'S DISAPPEARANCE
Forensic officers were seen combing a home for clues yesterday just four miles from where the teenager disappeared.
Officers also said a "significant" number of searches have been carried out across the city in relation to the investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper said: "I would like to reassure the public that at this time we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter."
The teenager was on her way to meet boyfriend Louie Leach when she disappeared.
He waited for the teen to arrive but raised the alarm after she never showed up.
Police later discovered her headphones and a pouch of tobacco on a grass verge near the bus stop.
Tributes flooded in for Bobbi-Anne after her body was found near popular Bovisand Beach.
MUM'S TEARS
Her brother Lee shared a touching childhood photo of the two of them beaming at the camera in their primary school uniforms.
He wrote: "Until we meet again sis. I love you.
"You didn't deserve this, such a beautiful and talented girl, and to have you as my little sister, the adventure and journey we had will always be treasured. Now go rest easy."
Bobbi-Anne's mum fought back tears last night as she paid tribute to her daughter during an emotional candlelit vigil.
Donna McLeod was joined by hundreds of mourners who paid their respects to Bobbi-Anne close to the bus stop where she vanished.
She said: "I would like to thank everyone for coming, on behalf of the family. It's nice everyone is coming together in the circumstances.
"Unfortunately, our beautiful Bobbi-Anne has been taken from us, but she will never be forgotten.
"I'd like everyone to hold their candles up. This is for Bobbi-Anne".
A GoFundMe page has now been launched to help her heartbroken family with funeral costs.
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