UPDATED - See family statement below - Actor and drama teacher Erin Tanti, 23, was accused in court this morning of having murdered Lisa Maria Zahra, 15. He was also accused of assisting her commit suicide, defiling her when she was in his care as a teacher, participating in sexual acts with her when she was a vulnerable person, being in possession of indecent pictures of her, and abusing his position.

He pleaded not guilty.

His defence counsel asked for him to be kept at Mt Carmel Hospital and for him to be given psychological care. It was also pointed out that he had asked for help for himself and Ms Zahra from the Appogg Agency several times in the past.

Lawyer Giannella de Marco said a specific reason had to be given for the request.

The court said that considering that a medical certificate had been issued giving the accused a clean bill of health, the decision on where he should be kept would be taken by the prisons director.

Tanti and Zahra were found at the bottom of Dingli Cliffs on March 19 after having been reported missing the previous day. Zahra was dead while Tanti was seriously injured.

He received hospital treatment and also underwent psychological evaluation before being released from Mt Carmel Hospital two days ago.

He was able to walk into the packed courtroom today, accompanied by his parents and escorted by two policemen.

The police questioned him over the past few days as, under the Criminal Code, it is a criminal offence to “assist” a person to take their own life, even if both parties intended to suffer the same fate.

Lisa Maria ZahraLisa Maria Zahra

Nine members of the Zahra family, including Lisa's father Tony, were in court for the arraignment. The family is due to give a statement.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke presided the arraignment. Lawyers Joe Giglio, Giannella de Marco, Steve Tonna Lowell and Reuben Farrugia  are part civile for the Zahra family. Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha are appearing for Mr Tanti.

Mr Tanti was a supply teacher at St Michael Foundation School but, it was revealed, he never sought a temporary warrant. The Ministry of Education has since issued instructions that all people involved in teaching must have at least a temporary warrant.

FAMILY STATEMENT

In its statement, the family of Lisa Maria Zahra said:

"For the past two weeks since the tragic death of Lisa Maria, our family has been silent and very careful not to make any comment about the case.

We are more than aware that there has been a great deal of speculation and comment in some sections of the media that at times has compounded the pain of the family who knew Lisa Maria and the beautiful person that she was.

In spite of this we understood and fully respected the fact that the police needed the time and space to conduct their investigation to the best of their ability and without interference.

Today the charges brought against Mr Tanti, a teacher entrusted with the care of students, are clear and unequivocal. He has been charged with the murder of Lisa Maria, apart form other charges.

We will not elaborate on the charges or the evidence as the place for this to happen is in the courts.

The family will not comment now or while the process runs its course.

Despite the enormous pain caused by the loss of Lisa Maria, we will patiently wait for the justice system to work in the months ahead.

Lisa Maria was a beautiful 15-year-old girl. Like the vast majority of 15-year-olds, she had her challenges, had her good days and her bad. However, Lisa Maria was a bright, intelligent and talented young girl. She was shy but confident. She always spoke her mind, but did so respectfully.

Lisa Maria was looking forward to her future and the life ahead of her. She was excited about finishing her exams and enjoying the summer ahead. She was busy planning what subjects to study in sixth form and excited about her progress in the arts.- Family

Was she occasionally rebellious? Of course she was, just like most other 15-year-olds. Was she anxious about her exams? Of course she was, just like all other 15-year-olds sitting for their O levels.

Was she vulnerable? We think that the fact we are standing here today is evidence of that.

However Lisa Maria was looking forward to her future and the life ahead of her. She was excited about finishing her exams and enjoying the summer ahead. She was busy planning what subjects to study in sixth form and excited about her progress in the arts.

She had everything to live for, and we would like to remember her for her wonderful traits.”

The family thanked the police for their ‘painstaking’ work and their friends and all those who had supported them.

The care has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated, the family said.

 

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