Indie-rock band guitarist charged with murdering 18-year-old Bobbi-Anne McLeod

A 24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod, who disappeared in Plymouth on Saturday evening as she waited at a bus stop on the way to visit her boyfriend.

A body, believed to be that of the missing 18-year-old, was found on Tuesday afternoon close to a beach in Bovisand, around seven miles from where she was last seen.

Cody Ackland, who was arrested on Tuesday, has now been charged with Ms McLeod's murder, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Mr Ackland, wearing a grey tracksuit and a blue face mask, appeared at Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Friday and was remanded into custody to appear at the city's crown court on Monday.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the short hearing. He will next appear at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday.

The force said on Thursday there was "no known link" between Ms McLeod and the suspect.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper said investigators were not seeking anyone else in connection with the killing.

Bobbi-Anne was last seen on Saturday waiting at a bus stop in Plymouth, Devon, as she was on her way to meet her boyfriend, but her ticket was never used and she did not arrive.

Her headphones and tobacco were found at the scene and her phone was handed to the police.

Suspect was a guitarist in an indie band

Ackland was the lead guitarist of local indie-rock group Rakuda, who announced on Friday that they had broken up "as a mark of respect" after he was charged with Bobbi-Anne's murder.

The band said in a statement: "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."

Hundreds gathered on Thursday for candlelit vigil

Hundreds of people gathered near the bus stop where Bobbi-Anne was last seen to hold a candlelit vigil in her memory on Thursday.

Donna McLeod, the victim's mother, was very distressed during the vigil but was able to thank the crowd for all the love and support her family has received over the last few days.

"Thank you for doing everything to try and find her and bring our baby home," she said.