‘Shocked’ group disbands after lead guitarist is charged with murdering woman, 18

A BAND has broken up “as a mark of respect” after their lead guitarist was charged with murdering an 18-year-old woman.

Cody Ackland, 24, appeared in court charged with the murder of Bobbianne Mcleod who disappeared on Saturday as she made her way to meet friends in Plymouth. The pair did not know each other, police have said. Mr Ackland has been charged with murdering her between Saturday and Tuesday, when her body was discovered near a beach, about seven miles from where she was last seen.

Her body is yet to be formally identified as that of the missing woman, but her family have been informed of the development.

On Friday, Mr Ackland’s bandmates in the indie rock group Rakuda spoke of their shock at their friend’s alleged involvement in her death.

“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,” they wrote in a statement on social media.

“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.”

Mr Ackland appeared at Plymouth magistrates’ court yesterday wearing a grey tracksuit and a blue face mask and was remanded in custody. The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the short hearing and will appear at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday.

Miss Mcleod left her home in Leigham, in the north-east of the city, at about 6pm on Saturday November 20 and was last seen waiting at a bus stop close to her house as she made her way into the town centre. Hundreds gathered at the spot where she was last seen to hold a candle-lit vigil in her memory.

Donna Mcleod, her mother, was very distressed during the vigil but was able to thank the crowd for the love and support she and her family have received over the past few days.

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