A witness in the murder compilation of evidence against drama teacher Erin Tanti, 23, was this morning heard behind closed doors.

Mr Tanti is pleading not guilty to the murder of 15-year-old drama student Lisa Marie Zahra 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.

This morning, magistrate Audrey Demicoli upheld a request by lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell, representing the Zahra family, to ban the publication of a name of a minor but initially refused to hear the testimony behind closed doors.

Later she upheld the request and asked the press and the public to leave the court room.

During today's hearing, psychiatrist Anton Grech, who examined Mr Tanti, requested to be released from professional secrecy.

Mr Tanti's lawyer Michael Scriha objected and asked to see the report before the release was granted.

Magistrate Demicoli upheld Dr Scriha's request and the case was then put off to August 14.

The Zahra family were also represented by lawyers Giannella de Marco and Joe Giglio.