After enduring a harrowing experience in Georgia, Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British woman, has welcomed the birth of her baby boy just weeks after her release from prison. Bella, who gained media attention for her involvement in a drug smuggling case, shared her joy on social media, posting a photo on TikTok of herself with her newborn, captioned, “My little 5lbs baba.”
Bella was arrested on May 10, 2023, in Tbilisi while attempting to import approximately £200,000 worth of cannabis. During her backpacking trip in the Far East, she became pregnant after a brief relationship with a British man. Following her arrest, Bella claimed she was unaware of the drugs concealed in her luggage and reported being coerced into trafficking by a violent gang.
Initially facing a potential 20-year sentence, her situation took a turn when her family managed to negotiate a plea bargain. After spending six months on remand, Bella was released after her family raised £140,000 of a £215,000 fine demanded by Georgian authorities.
Legal Battle and Emotional Release
The emotional moment of Bella’s release was marked by her exuberance as she left the courthouse, exclaiming, “I’m not in jail anymore!” surrounded by her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, and her attorney, Malkhaz Salakaia. Lyanne expressed her overwhelming happiness, stating, “I am so happy, so happy – I know I don’t look like it, but so happy.”
The legal proceedings were intense. Initially, the judge sentenced Bella to an additional 18 months in prison due to the family’s inability to pay the full fine. However, Salakaia appealed for Bella’s release, citing her advanced pregnancy and cooperation with authorities. He requested a final hearing to advocate for her bail.
The British Embassy also intervened, sending a letter to Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, urging him to consider a pardon for Bella. The president reportedly forwarded the letter to the Pardon Commission for review.
A New Chapter Ahead
Now free, Bella is focused on her new role as a mother. In her first moments as a parent, she expressed relief and disbelief at her release, emphasizing that she never expected to walk out of jail. With plans to secure her passport and return home, Bella and her family are looking to move forward from a turbulent chapter in their lives.
As she embarks on this new journey, Bella Culley’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with international travel and the consequences of becoming entangled in illegal activities. The circumstances surrounding her arrest and subsequent release have drawn significant attention, highlighting the intersection of personal struggles and broader legal issues in the realm of international law.
