Erin Tanti gets bail

Erin Tanti, the drama teacher accused of the murder of one of his pupils, has won his battle to be granted bail after spending 15 months in preventive custody.

Tanti, 24, was charged with the wilful homicide of 15-year-old Lisa Marie Zahra and with encouraging her suicide on 19 March 2014, after the two were found at the bottom of Dingli cliffs. 

On the night in question, Tanti picked up Zahra from her house, the two then switched off their mobile phones in the vicinity of Naxxar, and then drove to Dingli Cliffs. The two were believed to have drank half a bottle of whisky, swallowed the contents of three boxes of aspirin, before proceeding to jump.

Zahra died as a result of her injuries and Tanti was hospitalized to receive treatment for his.

Tanti was also charged with defiling the teen when she was in his care as a teacher, participating in sexual acts with her when she was a vulnerable person, and abusing his position of trust as a teacher.

He had been previously denied bail earlier this year, in March.

Judge Antonio Mizzi granted Tanti bail against a €20,000 deposit and a personal guarantee of €50,000, in addition, ordering the accused to observe a curfew and sign a bail book daily.

Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha are appearing for Tanti.