Bella Culley, a British teenager, has welcomed the birth of her son just weeks after her release from a Georgian prison where she was held on drug trafficking charges. The 19-year-old from Billingham in Teesside shared heartfelt TikTok videos of herself cradling her newborn, whom she referred to as her “little 5lbs baba.” The baby was born on November 24, 2025, precisely 20 days after Culley landed in London’s Luton Airport following her harrowing experience abroad.
On May 10, 2025, Culley was arrested at Tbilisi Airport, accused of attempting to smuggle 12 kg of marijuana and 2 kg of hashish into Georgia. Initially, she faced a potential sentence of up to 15 years. However, after spending nearly six months in custody, Culley was released on a plea deal that took into account her time served.
Case Background and Release
Culley’s family faced a daunting financial burden, having borrowed funds to pay £137,000 of a £215,000 fine demanded by Georgian authorities for her release. The teenager was pregnant at the time of her arrest, carrying the child of a British man she had met while in Georgia.
Georgian prosecutors considered a two-year sentence but ultimately decided to recommend her release, as stated by case prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili. The decision came as a surprise to both Culley and her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, who had feared she would only see her daughter again when the baby was born. “It was totally unexpected,” Kennedy remarked, overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the verdict in court.
Culley expressed her gratitude to those who supported her during the legal process. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, confirmed that she would receive her passport and be free to leave the country.
Conditions in Custody
While in prison, reports indicated that Culley endured challenging conditions. She was reportedly forced to boil pasta in a kettle and use a hole in the ground as a toilet in her cell at No 5 Women’s Penitentiary near Tbilisi. Despite the grim circumstances, Culley maintained a positive outlook, stating in an interview that she had no complaints about her time in custody. However, her mother signaled otherwise when reporters inquired about her daughter’s experience.
The British Embassy played a pivotal role in securing Culley’s release by sending a letter to the President of Georgia, urging him to grant her a pardon on compassionate grounds, given her pregnancy. This plea highlighted the potential tragedy of her giving birth behind bars, which would have occurred if she had served her full sentence.
Culley’s release aligns with a broader context of leniency shown by Georgian authorities in similar cases, especially for individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Her case drew attention not only due to its legal implications but also because of its human interest aspect—an expectant mother navigating the complexities of the law in a foreign country.
As Bella and her mother returned to the UK, they were seen smiling and relieved, marking a significant transition for the young mother as she embarks on her new journey of motherhood.
