The drama teacher charged with the murder of his teenage student in March last year was granted bail against a €20,000 deposit and a €50,000 personal guarantee.

Erin Tanti, 24, 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 the girl.

Mr Tanti has been held in preventive arrest since April 3, 2014, when he was arraigned.

Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi made his decision after hearing, among others, a psychiatrist who testified about Mr Tanti’s mental state and the success of the therapy he had received.

Mr Tanti was ordered to sign the bail book St St Julian’s police station daily and to be home by 8pm and remain there until 7am the following day.

Mr Justice Michael Mallia last March turned down a bail request after the Attorney General objected because of fears that Mr Tanti could abscond.

Police inspectors Keith Arnaud and Josric Mifsud are prosecuting. Lawyers are Michael and Lucio Sciriha are appearing for Mr Tanti.

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