AN ACTION bus driver accused of drugging an eight-year-old girl with ether has been released on bail.
Thomas Johnston, 49, of Latham, was charged with administering a harmful substance to another person that was likely to endanger their life.
He was also charged with having child pornography.
Johnston allegedly gave the girl ether on Monday, knocking her out.
The girl and her parents complained a short time later.
ACT Policing arrested Johnston on Friday.
Ether is an anaesthetic that is inhaled. It was often used in the 19th century and was also taken as a recreational drug.
In the bail hearing, Magistrate Grant Lalor acknowledged Johnston's admission that he was addicted to pornography.
It is believed police have not yet fully analysed the number or content of the images allegedly found on his computer.
Mr Lalor granted Johnston bail with numerous conditions, including that he neither have a computer nor access the internet.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times