A MUSICIAN today appeared in court accused of murdering an 18-year-old girl who vanished on her way to meet her boyfriend.
Bobbi-Anne McLeod was waiting at a bus stop near her home in Plymouth in November when she disappeared.
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Her body was discovered three days later eight miles away in a wooded area near popular Bovisand beach.
Local musician Cody Ackland, 24, who was not known to the teen, was later charged with murder.
He appeared at Plymouth Crown Court today where a provisional trial date was set for May 3.
Ackland did not enter a formal plea for murder between November 20 and November 23.
He was remanded in custody as the case was adjourned for further psychiatric reports.
Bobbi-Anne’s body was found after information was passed to the police.
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Officers discovered her dead in woodland by a lane between the Fort Staddon and Fort Bovisand military landmarks.
An inquest in December heard how a medical cause of death has not yet been “ascertained”.
She 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.
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.”
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 previously announced 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.”
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