Lawyers representing Bella Culley, a pregnant woman accused of drug smuggling, are seeking her release from custody before she gives birth, as reported by the Mirror. Despite reaching a plea agreement that will result in a two-year prison sentence, Culley, expected to deliver her baby in December, is awaiting formal sentencing for her alleged attempt to smuggle drugs from Thailand to Georgia.
During a court session in Tbilisi, it was disclosed that Culley’s family, which includes her mother Lyanne Kennedy and her father Niel Culley, have paid £138,000 to the court. The exact arrangements regarding whether she will serve her entire sentence in a women’s facility near Tbilisi, remain in house arrest, or be extradited to the UK for sentence execution have not been clarified.
Notably, Culley’s legal team is contemplating applying for a presidential pardon to expedite her departure from Georgia. If this strategy fails, sources suggest that she may be granted parole before childbirth due to her pregnancy and positive conduct while in detention. Alternatively, if other options are exhausted, Culley might be relocated to a nearby hospital to give birth while being accommodated in a specially designated room within the detention facility for herself and her child.
Despite the unforeseen plea deal details presented during a brief court appearance, Culley, who has already spent five months in custody, displayed a mix of surprise and later contentment, even waving happily at her mother. Previously, Culley’s lawyer had indicated that the amount of the fine paid could impact the duration of her sentence, possibly leading to its annulment based on the sum paid.
Following the court session, Culley’s mother expressed disappointment at the court’s demand for a higher sum than the family could provide for her daughter’s release. The court originally sought £220,000 for Culley’s release, a figure they couldn’t meet despite negotiations.
The prosecution confirmed that the plea bargain conditions had been met, while Culley’s lawyer affirmed that all relevant parties had been informed. A final hearing was requested to deliver the ultimate judgment. Despite a plea by Culley’s lawyer for her release on bail due to her advanced pregnancy, the judge denied the motion citing no legal basis for changing her custody terms.
Concerned about retaining custody of her baby, Culley sought reassurance from her lawyer, who guaranteed her that her child would not be taken away. Culley, a student nurse from Billingham, Teesside, faced drug trafficking charges after being found with cannabis in her possession following her mysterious disappearance in Thailand and subsequent appearance in Georgia.
Claiming coercion by criminal elements who subjected her to torture and threats against her family, Culley reiterated her unwilling involvement in drug trafficking. Her lawyer affirmed her well-being and smooth pregnancy progression following the court proceedings.
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