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An accused paedophile who escaped the justice process in New Zealand has been found living freely in one of Australia’s tourist hotspots.
Ronald Thompson was due to face trial in 2023 on 18 charges of sexual abuse against six alleged victims. It was stopped due to medical evidence that he was “palliative” with “months to live”.
The 69-year-old has now been found living at a waterfront apartment at Maroochydore on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where he appears healthy enough to climb stairs unassisted.
A Current Affair’s cameras captured video of Thompson living there, and on one occasion appearing to take pictures of passers-by from his shuttered balcony.
When questioned about his apparent recovery since the palliative diagnosis two years ago, Thompson denied he was well enough to return to New Zealand to face trial.
“I haven’t made any recovery,” he said, adding that a recent holiday to the Philippines was only possible as he used a wheelchair, although he was recently filmed without one.
His alleged victims are incensed that he has been able to avoid the justice process entirely due to apparent ill health.
“He’s obviously not dying,” said one of the alleged victims, now aged in her 50s.
“I would hope that he’s sent back to New Zealand, and he’s tried for this. He needs to answer to it.”
Thompson was a familiar face on TV in his hometown of Christchurch for his business Ron’s Discount Carpets.
That all changed when six alleged victims, four girls and two boys, came forward claiming he was a child predator.
Thompson denies he committed any of the alleged crimes, including rape, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ jail.
The allegations date back to a two-decade period beginning in 1981. Thompson declined requests for interview by New Zealand Police.
Six more alleged victims came forward to police after a suppression order was lifted on Thompson’s name in the Blenheim District Court in 2024.
New Zealand media reported on Thompson being well enough to fly to the Philippines in January for a holiday where he was filmed drinking beers and smoking cigarettes.
When asked if he was making a mockery of the justice system, Thompson replied: “Absolutely not.”
Federal MP Andrew Wallace, who represents an electorate on the Sunshine Coast, said the Department of Home Affairs should be looking into deporting the former carpet salesman.
“They should be acting … and Mr Thompson should be sent his marching orders back to New Zealand,” Wallace said.
Child protection advocate Hetty Johnston from Safeguarding Australia agreed.
“We do not want this man in Australia,” she said. “We need to make sure that there are no Australian children exposed to this man.”
Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was looking into the case.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs said it could not comment on individual cases.
Under Australian legislation, non-citizens who may “pose a risk to the health and safety of the Australian community”, can have their visas considered for cancellation.
“I really hope that Home Affairs uses all powers available to them and all parts of legislation to get rid of him,” Johnston said. “Just eject him, deport him, get him out of our country.”
New Zealand Police declined to comment on the case, citing privacy legislation.
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Dan Nolan is a senior reporter at A Current Affair in Queensland.From our partners
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