Ronald Thompson denied he was well but was filmed enjoying a holiday, drink and smoke. Photo / A Current Affair
After the trial was stopped, Thompson’s family released a statement saying he had “gone overseas to spend his final months in peace”, claiming the media coverage had “caused a deterioration in his condition”.
However, two years later A Current Affair found the former carpet salesman from Christchurch walking around the Sunshine Coast with his dog, without the assistance of a cane or walker.
“I haven’t made any recovery,” Thompson said when a A Current Affair reporter approached him outside an apartment block.
A Current Affair then showed footage of Thompson holidaying in the Philippines, drinking beers and smoking cigarettes. He justified the holiday because he used a wheelchair.
Thompson was well known in Christchurch in the 1990s, appearing on television ads for his business, Ron’s Discount Carpets.
Accused sex offender Ronald Thompson was a well-known carpet salesman in the 1990s. Photo / A Current Affair
The allegations against the carpet seller span 20 years, starting in 1981. After his name suppression was lifted last year, six more people have said they were victims of his.
One of Thompson’s alleged victims told A Current Affair he was “obviously not dying”.
“I would hope that he’s sent back to New Zealand and he’s tried for this. He needs to answer to it.”
Australian Federal MP Andrew Wallace, who lives on the Sunshine Coast, said Thompson’s visa should be cancelled.
“They should be acting under the character grounds under Section 501 of the Migration Act and Mr Thompson should be sent his marching orders back to New Zealand,” Wallace told A Current Affair.