A teenager from England who is pregnant and accused of smuggling drugs is now being housed in a specialized unit for mothers and babies within a prison in Georgia. Bella May Culley, aged 19 and reportedly eight months pregnant, was apprehended at Tbilisi Airport in May for allegedly trying to bring 12 kilograms of marijuana and two kilograms of hashish into the country.
According to Culley’s mother, Lyanne Kennedy, her daughter has been relocated to a facility with improved amenities after previously enduring harsh conditions at Rustavi Prison Number Five in Georgia. Kennedy mentioned that Culley now has better privileges, including additional time for outdoor walks, access to a communal kitchen, a private shower, and a standard toilet.
Kennedy expressed relief at the improved circumstances for her daughter, highlighting that Culley is now able to cook with other inmates and has been preparing various dishes like eggy bread, cheese toasties, and salt and pepper chicken. The family is actively working towards bringing Culley back home, emphasizing their commitment to supporting both her and her soon-to-be-born child.
Reports indicate that Culley had disclosed being coerced by criminals in Thailand and compelled to transport drugs into Georgia. Following negotiations by her legal team with Georgian authorities, Culley is expected to receive her sentence soon. As part of a plea agreement, her family has paid a substantial sum to potentially lessen her jail term, with efforts underway to seek a pardon from the Georgian president.
The prosecution has confirmed a plea deal has been reached, with Culley anticipating a two-year prison sentence. Her formal sentencing is scheduled for the next day. Despite a request for bail by Culley’s lawyer, the judge denied the motion, citing no legal grounds for altering her current conditions. Concerns regarding the custody of her baby post-sentencing remain unresolved, with uncertainties about whether she will serve her term in Tbilisi or potentially be extradited back to the UK.
