Plymouth Man Jailed for Life Over Savage Murder of Teen
A twisted Plymouth killer has been locked up for life after a horrific, sadistic attack on 18-year-old Bobbi-Anne McLeod. Cody Ackland, 24, will serve at least 30 years and 190 days behind bars for the brutal murder that shocked the nation.
Hammer Attack at Bus Stop Sparks Horror
On the evening of November 20 last year, Ackland struck Bobbi-Anne on the head with a claw hammer while she waited at a Leigham bus stop. He then kidnapped her, driving her nearly 20 miles to Bellever Forest car park on Dartmoor where he carried out a prolonged and merciless assault.
After murdering the young woman, Ackland stripped her and dumped her body in undergrowth at Bovisand. He callously discarded her clothes in nearby allotments before heading out to party with friends as if nothing had happened.
Double Life and Dark Obsession Unveiled
Court heard Ackland was obsessed with serial killers, particularly Ted Bundy, whose methods bore chilling similarities to his own crime. His phone was filled with gruesome images of dismembered bodies, crime scenes, and weapons.
In the days leading up to the murder, he scoured the internet for information about killers, plotting the perfect remote location and hunting for weapons. The sinister fascination fuelled a deadly plan.
Confession and Justice Served
Three days later, Ackland shocked police by walking into Charles Cross station and confessing. He led officers straight to Bobbi-Anne’s body.
During police interviews, he admitted responsibility but bizarrely claimed the murder felt “like a film or fantasy,” distancing himself from the horror he caused. Forensic evidence and phone data, however, backed up his chilling account.
Family’s Heartbreaking Tribute
“Bobbi was beautiful from the day she was born and dreamed of becoming an interior designer. She lit up every life she touched – kind, funny and loyal. We’ve been robbed of our beautiful girl in the worst possible way,” said the devastated family.
“Cody Ackland has taken our world away. We’ll never see her laugh or watch her live the life she deserved. The cruel torture she endured haunts us daily.”
Community and Police React to Sentence
Detective Inspector Stephanie Blundell praised the police team’s work but said today’s verdict was no cause for celebration. “This brutal crime shattered a young life and devastated Bobbi’s family. We hope justice offers some small comfort.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor Ian Wilkinson added: “Bobbi-Anne’s life was stolen in the cruelest way. We remain committed to protecting women and bringing violent offenders to justice.”
If you have been affected by this case, help is available. Contact Devon & Cornwall Police at [email protected] or call 101.
