A drama teacher accused of encouraging his teenage girlfriend to commit suicide a year ago was denied bail and will remain in preventive arrest.

Erin Tanti, 23, is pleading not guilty to the murder of Lisa Marie Zahra, 15, and assisting her to commit suicide, defiling her, participating in sexual acts with her and being in possession of indecent images of her.

Mr Tanti has been held in preventive custody since April 3, when he was arraigned following the fatal March 19 incident last year.

Mr Justice Michael Mallia heard that the Attorney General objected to Mr Tanti being granted bail because of fears he could abscond.

The judge therefore turned down the request for bail filed by Mr Tanti’s lawyers, Michael and Lucio Sciriha.

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