British national Bella Culley, known as a “drug mule,” has reached a plea deal with Georgian authorities which will result in a two-year jail sentence. The 19-year-old, expecting to give birth in December, faces charges related to drug smuggling into Georgia earlier this year.
During a brief session at Tbilisi City Court, it was disclosed that Culley’s family, including her mother Lyanne Kennedy and father Niel Culley, had paid 500,000 Georgian Lari (£138,000) to the court. Culley, dressed in a grey sleeveless cardigan and pink t-shirt with a new hairstyle, appeared surprised as the agreement details were revealed.
Despite having already spent five months in custody, Culley seemed optimistic upon learning that the size of the fine paid would influence her sentence, potentially leading to the cancellation of jail time based on the amount paid. However, her mother revealed that the court initially demanded a higher sum for her daughter’s immediate release, which the family couldn’t meet.
Prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalugelashvili confirmed the plea bargain had been accepted and conditions met, while Culley’s lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, expressed the desire for a final hearing to determine the verdict. Despite a request for bail before the sentencing next week, the judge denied the motion citing no legal grounds for altering her current conditions.
Culley’s lawyer assured her that her pregnancy would not result in separation from her baby. It remains uncertain whether she will serve her entire sentence in Tbilisi or might be placed under house arrest or extradited to the UK. Culley, a student nurse from Billingham, Teesside, was apprehended in Georgia after authorities found cannabis and hashish in her possession.
She has alleged being coerced by criminals who threatened her and her family if she did not comply. Culley maintained her innocence, stating that she was forced into trafficking due to torture, expressing her desire to travel. Post-hearing, her lawyer reassured the media that Culley’s pregnancy was progressing well and emphasized her ability to bond with the baby post-delivery.