A man facing historic sex offence charges in New Zealand has been filmed enjoying an overseas holiday in the Philippines, just two years after a judge declared him too medically unwell to stand trial.
Trial Suspended Over Health Concerns
Ronald Thompson, 69, believed to be originally from the Sunshine Coast in Australia, was scheduled to face a New Zealand court in 2023. He was accused of 18 counts of sexual offending against six young people, allegations he has consistently denied.
The charges, which included indecent assault and sexual violation by rape, related to incidents said to have occurred between 1981 and 2002. The alleged victims were boys and girls in their mid to late teens.
However, in November 2023, the trial was suspended. The court heard medical evidence that Thompson had advanced cardiovascular disease. Doctors warned that the stress of a trial could place him at a serious risk of suffering a heart attack.
A physician from Wairau Hospital stated Thompson had been referred to a palliative care team and had a life expectancy 'measured in months'.
Footage Emerges of Holiday Activities
New footage has now surfaced, casting doubt on the severity of his condition. The video, obtained by New Zealand publication Stuff, shows Thompson on holiday in the Philippines over the recent Christmas period.
In the clips, he can be seen cracking open a can of extra-strong 8% Red Horse beer while staying in a village roughly 600km south-east of Manila. Other footage shows him smoking cigarettes, sitting at the head of a table while a woman believed to be his partner pours drinks, and relaxing alone on a balcony.
It is understood Thompson was visiting his partner's extended family in the Philippine capital for Christmas and has since returned to Australia.
Alleged Victims React with Anger and Disgust
The news of his overseas travels has provoked a strong reaction from his alleged victims. One woman, who claims Thompson molested her in 1981 when she was 12 years old, told Stuff she was 'absolutely disgusted' and 'really angry'.
'It's impacted my life massively, and not just me - other people as well,' she said. 'And ... here's him living his best life, just making a total mockery of the system and the people he's hurt.'
Police allege that Thompson's historical modus operandi involved grooming young victims with cigarettes and alcohol to isolate them before the alleged abuse.
Thompson was once a minor celebrity in Christchurch due to his cheesy television advertisements for 'Ron's Discount Carpets'.
New Zealand Police are reportedly aware of the new footage but have indicated they will not pursue new charges unless Thompson's health improves significantly. The case highlights the complex tensions between judicial process, medical evidence, and the pursuit of justice for alleged historic sex offences.
