British citizen Bella Culley, known as a “drug mule,” has reached a plea deal with Georgian prosecutors, agreeing to a two-year jail sentence. The 19-year-old, who is 25 weeks pregnant, is facing charges of drug smuggling into Georgia earlier this year. Culley’s family, including her mother Lyanne Kennedy, 44, and her father Niel Culley, 49, have paid 500,000 Georgian Lari (£138,000) to the court.
During a brief hearing at Tbilisi City Court, Bella appeared surprised as the agreement details were disclosed. Despite already serving five months in jail, she remained optimistic, even smiling and waving at her mother. The length of her sentence was said to be tied to the amount of the fine paid, potentially leading to the cancellation of jail time based on the payment made.
Following the hearing, Lyanne Kennedy revealed that the court demanded a higher sum for Bella’s immediate release, mentioning it was significantly more than what was paid. The initial demand was set at 800,000 Georgian Lari (£220,000) for Bella’s release, but negotiations led to the current agreement being reached.
The prosecutor confirmed the plea bargain’s acceptance, stating that all conditions had been met. Bella’s lawyer requested her release on bail before the sentencing hearing, citing her advanced pregnancy. However, the judge denied the motion, stating no legal grounds existed for changing her current conditions.
Bella’s lawyer reassured her that she would not be separated from her baby, easing her concerns during the proceedings. The specifics of whether she will serve her full sentence in Tbilisi or under house arrest, or possibly be extradited to the UK, remain uncertain.
Bella, a student nurse from Billingham, Teesside, went missing in Thailand before being discovered in Georgia, where she was arrested for drug possession. She has claimed that she was coerced into trafficking drugs by criminals who threatened her and her family.
Expressing relief after the hearing, Bella’s lawyer noted that her pregnancy was progressing well, ensuring she would bond with her baby upon delivery.
