Erin Tanti, the drama teacher accused of encouraging his teenage student to commit suicide in March last year has been granted bail against a €20,000 deposit and a €50,000 personal guarantee. 

The 24-year-old is pleading not guilty to the murder of Lisa Marie Zahra, 15 and assisting her to commit suicide, defiling her and participating in sexual acts with her, as well as being in possession of indecent images of her.

Mr Tanti has been held in preventive arrest since April 3, when he was charged in court over the fatal March 19 incident.

Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi ordered Mr Tanti to sign the bail book at the St Julian's police station daily and also ordered him to be home by 8pm every evening and remain indoors until 7am the following morning. 

Last March, Mr Justice Michael Mallia had turned down the bail request after the Attorney General had objected to Mr Tanti being granted bail because of fears he may abscond. 

Police inspectors Keith Arnaud and Josric Mifsud are prosecuting. Mr Tanti’s lawyers are Michael and Lucio Sciriha.

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