A British senior citizen known for playing bowls and accused of involvement in drug trafficking internationally has been freed from incarceration in Chile due to health issues. William ‘Billy Boy’ Eastment, aged 80, has been placed under strict house arrest as his legal proceedings continue. He was released from the Santiago 1 Penitentiary following a court ruling in Santiago, where it was agreed by both prosecution and defense teams that his health had significantly deteriorated.
Eastment, a retired mechanic and avid bowls enthusiast, appeared frail during his court appearance, wearing a loose white sweatshirt and following the proceedings with the help of a translator. He was apprehended in Santiago while en route from Mexico to Australia after authorities allegedly found nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine in his belongings. Eastment has consistently claimed that he was deceived into carrying the illicit substances.
His legal representative, Macarena Vial, informed the court about his critical health condition, highlighting chronic health issues that had worsened during his time in custody. She emphasized his need for specialized care due to conditions such as a chronic lung disease and a colostomy that posed infection risks.
Vial also detailed the challenges Eastment faced in obtaining necessary medical supplies while in detention. His deteriorating health was evident from a significant weight loss, prompting the court to rule for his house arrest in a designated facility in western Santiago with support from Chile’s Public Criminal Defence Office.
Medical treatment and access to required medications were also secured by the court order, ensuring Eastment’s ongoing care and supervision. Despite his health struggles in prison, Eastment managed to establish connections with fellow inmates, garnering support and compassion from those around him.
Concerns had been raised about his health, with reports indicating repeated health complications during his incarceration. Efforts were made to expedite the legal process considering his fragile health condition. Extradition to the UK was deemed unfeasible, and negotiations were underway to potentially resolve the case swiftly given his health challenges.
Eastment’s journey to Chile under false pretenses, believing he was pursuing a legitimate opportunity, has led to ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
