Musician Cody Ackland facing life for murdering Bobbi-Anne McLeod, 18, & dumping body at beach after bus stop abduction

A MUSICIAN is facing life in prison for murdering an 18-year-old girl who was snatched from a bus stop on her way to meet her boyfriend.

Bobbi-Anne McLeod was last seen near her home in Plymouth in November when she disappeared.

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.

There were gasps from the public gallery today as he pleaded guilty to murdering Bobbi-Anne between November 20 and November 23.

Bobbi-Anne's heartbroken mum Donna McLeod sat in tears throughout the short hearing.

Ackland was warned he will face a life sentence when he is sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on May 19.

Judge Robert Linford said: "You have pleaded guilty to murder and the sentence is fixed by law.

"The sentence is imprisonment for life and the only issue will be the minimum term I will impose."

The court was told prosecutors will not seek a trial on a charge of kidnap due to the guilty plea.

Bobbi-Anne's body was discovered after Ackland walked into a police station and revealed what he had done.

She was found in woodland by a lane between the Fort Staddon and Fort Bovisand military landmarks.

Mystery still surrounds her death after an inquest in December heard how a medical cause of death has not yet been "ascertained".

Chilling details of Bobbi-Anne's final journey emerged after she was abducted by total stranger Ackland.

She left her home at 6pm on November 20 to meet boyfriend Louie Leach.

The teenager was last seen at a nearby bus stop 15 minutes later - with her headphones and a pouch of tobacco later discovered on grass nearby.

FINAL MOMENTS

Louie had waited for the teen to arrive but raised the alarm after she never showed up.

His mother Adele later told The Sun: “She was meant to see him at the time.

“Louie was at home, he was waiting for her.”

At first officers did not reveal whether Bobbi-Anne had been snatched from the bus stop or willingly left with her killer.

But as they searched Ackland's home nearby, the revealed she had been abducted by a stranger.

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.";

After the verdict today, Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, said: "I can't even start to imagine the pain that Bobbi-Anne McLeod's family and friends have been through over these past few months.

"While there is no justice that can bring Bobbi-Anne back, I'm pleased this case will be concluded swiftly and I truly hope the family will get the answers they need to provide some closure on this terrible incident.

"I'd like to thank the police for their hard work in bringing Cody Ackland to justice.

"I'd also like to thank the community of Plymouth who have shown courage, empathy and incredible support during this dark time for the city."