A Christchurch man who avoided trial on palliative grounds over 18 sexual abuse charges has been found living in Australia

Ronald Thompson was accused of abusing six victims and was due to stand trial in 2023 - but proceedings stopped after he was diagnosed as palliative.

Australia's A Current Affair reports the 69-year-old is now living on the Sunshine Coast.

Thompson claims he's still too unwell to face trial - despite being filmed walking up stairs unassisted.

One alleged victim says he's clearly not dying, and wants him returned to New Zealand to face the charges.