The drama teacher who stands accused of encouraging his former student, Lisa Marie Zahra, to commit suicide in March 2014 has been granted bail against a deposit of €20,000 and a personal guarantee of €50,000.

Erin Tanti, 24, is pleading not guilty to the charges of murdering Ms Zahra, 15, assisting her to commit suicide, defiling her, participating in sexual acts with her and being in possession of indecent images of her.

He has been held in custody since 3 April, when he was arraigned in connection to the case.

Mr Tanti was ordered by Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi to sign the bail book at the St Julian's police station every day. He was also ordered not to leave home between 8pm and 7am.

Erin Tanti’s lawyers, Michael and Lucio Schriha had requested bail back in March but the court had refused the  request after the Attorney General argued that the man could abscond.

Police Inspectors Keith Arnaud and Josri Mifsud are leading the prosecution.