BREAKING: Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British woman, has given birth to a baby boy just weeks after her dramatic release from a Georgian prison. The newborn, weighing 5 pounds, arrived on November 24, 2025, following Bella’s harrowing ordeal of being jailed for drug smuggling.
In a heartfelt TikTok video posted shortly after the birth, she cradles her son, expressing her gratitude: “I may have my hands full for a 19-year-old girl but I’m so thankful every day that they’re not empty.” This joyous moment comes just 20 days after her return to London’s Luton Airport on November 4, 2025.
Bella was arrested on May 10, 2025, at Tbilisi Airport for attempting to smuggle 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish into Georgia. Initially facing a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison, she spent a total of five months and 25 days in various detention facilities. Her release was made possible after her family raised £137,000 of the £215,000 fine imposed by Georgian authorities.
The circumstances surrounding Bella’s imprisonment were dire; she was reportedly forced to endure harsh conditions, including a prison cell with a hole in the ground as a toilet. Her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, reflected on the emotional turmoil, stating she had feared she would only see her daughter again upon the birth of her grandchild.
In an unexpected twist, Georgian prosecutors decided to consider the time Bella had already served, leading to her early release. Prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili noted, “The court decided to consider the time she has already served,” citing compassion for her condition as a pregnant inmate.
Bella’s legal team was instrumental in securing her release, highlighting her difficult circumstances. Bella expressed her disbelief at the court’s decision, stating, “I didn’t expect this at all. This is a huge surprise.”
The emotional reunion with her mother was palpable as they embraced outside the courthouse, tears of joy streaming down their faces. Bella’s lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, confirmed she would be free to leave the country immediately.
The British Embassy played a crucial role in advocating for Bella, sending a letter to the Georgian president that emphasized her pregnancy and sought leniency. The plea for compassion was pivotal in altering the course of her case, as the initial sentence would have left Bella giving birth behind bars.
With her son now in her arms, Bella is ready to start a new chapter in her life away from the shadows of her past. The world is watching as she navigates motherhood and the challenges that lie ahead.
As Bella shares her journey on social media, many are rallying around her, eager to support her as she embraces her new role as a mother. The emotional weight of her story resonates, sparking conversations about justice, redemption, and the strength of family bonds.
Stay tuned for more updates on Bella Culley’s journey as she transitions from her tumultuous past to her hopeful future as a new mother.
