A used pregnancy test was one of the items found on the late Lisa Marie Zahra’s bed by the police during a search of her bedroom at her father’s house, a court heard today.

The court was hearing a continuation of the compilation of evidence against drama teacher Erin Tanti, who is pleading not guilty to the murder of Ms Zahra, his 15-year-old drama student, on March 19 and assisting her to commit suicide.

The court had heard that Mr Tanti had told police he did not kill Ms Zahra and that he loved her but planned to end their relationship. Her lifeless body was found on the rocks of Dingli cliffs and he “initially” told rescuers that he had fallen.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli had ruled that there was enough evidence for the indictment of Mr Tanti and, in a tense sitting on June 3, an emotional Tony Zahra recounted how he was informed that his daughter was missing when he was abroad. However, when he arrived in Malta, he was told she was dead.

Taking the witness stand today, PC  Patrick Farrugia said that he had gone to Mr Zahra’s house to elevate items for DNA sampling from the girl’s bedroom. There he found members of the vice squad carrying out a search.

The items he took included a used pregnancy test, underwear, socks and bed linen.

Also testifying today were a number of civil protection officers and AFM personnel involved in Mr Tanti’s rescue.

Two DVDs with raw, unedited footage from the rescue were presented to the court.

The case was deferred to September 25.