An elderly British man known for his passion for playing bowls, who was accused of being involved in drug trafficking on a global scale, has been freed from incarceration in Chile due to health concerns.
William ‘Billy Boy’ Eastment, an 80-year-old retired mechanic and avid bowls enthusiast, was granted full house arrest by a court in Santiago. He had been in custody since May of the previous year after authorities allegedly found nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine in his luggage during a layover in Santiago while en route from Mexico to Australia. Eastment, who claims he was deceived into carrying the drugs, appeared frail during his recent court appearance and was described as suffering from various chronic health issues.
His lawyer, Macarena Vial, emphasized the deteriorating health conditions Eastment faced in detention, including a chronic lung disease and complications related to a colostomy. She highlighted the challenges he encountered in obtaining necessary medical supplies due to the prison’s limitations.
The court, acknowledging Eastment’s declining health, decided to place him under house arrest in a shelter in western Santiago, where he will receive daily care and medical attention. Additionally, arrangements were made for his enrollment in the national health system and access to essential medications.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings against him, efforts are being made to expedite the trial process given his fragile health. Concerns had been raised about his well-being while incarcerated, prompting calls for a speedier resolution to his case. The possibility of extradition to the UK was not considered feasible due to Chilean laws governing drug offenses.
Eastment’s version of events suggests he was misled by individuals posing as representatives of the International Monetary Fund, leading him to believe he needed to travel for inheritance-related matters. The criminal case against him is ongoing as investigations continue.
Throughout his confinement, Eastment encountered language barriers but managed to form friendships with fellow inmates who shared his native language. Despite the challenges he faced, there have been efforts to provide support and hope for a better outcome as his legal situation progresses.