Rock guitarist, 24, appears in court charged with murder of missing teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod

An indie rock guitarist has been charged with the murder of teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod, who disappeared from Plymouth on Saturday.

Cody Ackland, 24, was arrested on Tuesday and has now been charged with her murder.

Ms McLeod was on her way from her home in Leigham, Plymouth, to meet boyfriend Louie Leach when she vanished. She was last seen at a bus stop.

Her boyfriend raised the alarm after she never showed up.

Police found Ms McLeod’s discarded headphones and a pouch of tobacco on a grass verge close the bus stop sparking a frantic three-day search.

A body, thought to be that of Ms McLeod, was later found in Bovisand, seven miles from her home.

Ackland, the lead guitarist of local indie rock band Rakuda, walked into Plymouth Magistrates Court today covered by a blanket.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and was remanded in custody to appear at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday.

Rakuda has removed its band photos from the Facebook page, and changed its profile picture to a candle - in tribute to Bobbi-Anne McLeod.

The band, which is named after Bar Rakuda in central Plymouth, had listed their influences as Oasis, Kasabian and The Strokes.

Since Ackland emerged as a suspect the band announced they were splitting up.

They wrote on Facebook: “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.”

Josh Greenless, lead singer of Rakuda told MailOnline: “The first I heard about this was when police started searching Cody’s house. He’s a big part of our band and it’s all a bit shocking.”

A 26-year-old man arrested for the same offence has been released with no further action.

In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “A 24-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection to the disappearance of 18-year-old Bobbi-Anne McLeod.

“Cody Ackland from the Southway area of Plymouth, has been charged with murder and remanded in police custody.

“The family of Bobbi-Anne have been informed of this update and continue to be supported by specialist officers.”

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

Police said a second man who had earlier been arrested in connection with the case was released, with no further action to be taken.

Hundreds of people gathered on Thursday evening by a bus stop where Ms McLeod was last seen in a candlelit vigil.

Donna McLeod, the victim’s mother, fought back tears 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.

“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 raised nearly £14,000 to help Ms McLeod’s devastated family with her funeral costs.

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