A pregnant woman who was caught smuggling drugs in Georgia has been released from prison unexpectedly. Bella May Culley, a 19-year-old former student nurse from Teeside, was apprehended in Tbilisi in possession of 11kg of cannabis and over 400g of hashish. Despite pleading guilty, she claimed she was coerced by criminals in Thailand.
Following a plea deal modification by prosecutors, Bella was granted freedom instead of serving a two-year sentence. Her family paid over £137,000 to secure a reduced penalty. Originally facing up to 20 years in prison, she was ultimately sentenced to the time she had already spent in custody – five months and 25 days.
Bella, who is due to give birth in December, was seen leaving a Georgia court with her mother, Lyanne Kennedy. Her release was met with tears of joy as she spoke with her father, Niel Culley, expressing relief at no longer being incarcerated. Speculation surrounds the identity of the baby’s father, with hints suggesting a potential connection to a man named “Russ” or “Ross” from the Philippines.
Prior to her arrest, Bella’s social media hinted at a romantic involvement, including references to criminal activities reminiscent of the infamous duo Bonnie and Clyde. Family members indicated she had encounters with various individuals during her travels, sparking further intrigue about her associations. Bella’s transition to a prison unit designed for mothers and babies marked an improvement in her living conditions, with access to facilities like a communal kitchen and private shower.
As Bella prepares to resume her life in the UK, questions linger about her past relationships and the circumstances that led to her drug smuggling ordeal. The unexpected turn of events surrounding her release from prison adds a new chapter to her complex saga.
