An elderly British man accused of being involved in drug trafficking internationally is set to have his legal case formally concluded tomorrow, paving the way for his immediate return to the United Kingdom.
William “Billy Boy” Eastment, an 80-year-old retired heavy goods vehicle and bus fitter from Milborne Port, Somerset, faced nearly a year in a Chilean prison after being apprehended at the airport with methamphetamine valued at around £200,000 hidden in his baggage.
Following his appeal for release on health grounds due to deteriorating health conditions exacerbated by his time in custody, Eastment successfully secured the closure of his case, enabling his departure from Chile. Despite being granted the opportunity to switch from prison detention to house arrest earlier, his legal team advocated for a swift resolution considering his age and health challenges.
Neighbours and acquaintances were shocked by Eastment’s arrest, as they knew him as an enthusiast of fishing and bowls rather than a suspected drug courier. He claimed innocence, stating he was deceived by scammers who convinced him to travel overseas under false pretenses without his knowledge of the drugs concealed in his belongings.
The legal team, faced with the complexities of Eastment’s medical and financial predicament, worked towards his supervised release, which was complicated by his tourist status in Chile, rendering him ineligible for the national healthcare system. Financial backing from a family member was a mandatory requirement for his release, further complicating matters due to difficulties in locating close relatives.
Having relied solely on his UK state pension before his arrest, Eastment encountered challenges accessing funds while detained in Chile, leading to financial strain. With the imminent closure of his case, months of legal battles are coming to an end, clearing the path for his repatriation to the UK.
