Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Musician accused of killing Bobbi-anne,18
Rock guitarist, 24, faces murder trial
A MUSICIAN appeared in court yesterday accused of murdering teenager Bobbi-anne Mcleod.
Flanked by two custody officers, Cody Ackland, 24, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
The body of 18-year-old Bobbi-anne was found at Bovisand Beach, eight miles from her home in Plymouth, after she went missing last Saturday.
At Plymouth magistrates court, chair Louise Ferris remanded Ackland in custody until Monday ahead of a preliminary hearing at the city’s crown court.
He bowed his head as he left the dock, while a man sitting at the back of the court shouted abuse.
Ackland was seen arriving at the court with a blue blanket over his head. He left wearing a face mask.
Devon and Cornwall Police said Bobbi-anne’s family “continued to be supported by specialist officers”.
It is understood the teenager’s relatives were present in court and some left in tears after the brief hearing.
Ackland was the lead guitarist in indie rock band Rakuda and lives in central Plymouth. The remaining members of
the band – Josh, Ross, Josh and Mike – announced the break-up of the band on Facebook shortly before the hearing.
They said: “We 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.”
Bobbi-anne left her home in Leigham, Plymouth at around 6pm on November 20 and was last seen waiting at a bus stop close to her house.
On Thursday, hundreds of people gathered near the bus stop to hold a candlelit vigil. A bank of flowers has since been laid out by local residents.
Bobbi-anne’s mother Donna told the crowd: “Thank you for doing everything to try and find her and bring our baby home.”
As a mark of respect, we will be disbanding as of now ACKLAND’S BANDMATES IN STATEMENT ONLINE