A young British woman, Bella May Culley, walked free from a Georgian prison on Monday, a stunning turn of events in a case that gripped international attention. The 19-year-old, visibly pregnant, had been facing a potential sentence of up to life in prison on drug smuggling charges.
Culley was arrested in May at Tbilisi Airport, accused of attempting to bring a significant quantity of narcotics – 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish – into the country. The arrest sparked immediate concern for her well-being, particularly given her vulnerable condition.
The court ultimately found her guilty, but sentenced her to precisely the amount of time she had already spent in custody: five months and 25 days. This outcome was secured through a plea deal, which also involved a substantial fine of 500,000 lari, roughly $184,000, paid by her family.
The courtroom was filled with raw emotion as the verdict was delivered. Both Culley and her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, broke down in tears, embracing tightly as the weight of the ordeal began to lift. It was a moment of profound relief after months of uncertainty.
Prosecutors had initially sought a two-year sentence, but ultimately agreed to the plea bargain. The decision, according to case prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili, was influenced by Culley’s confession, her age, and her pregnancy.
The news of her release was a complete surprise to Kennedy, who had tragically prepared herself for the possibility of not seeing her daughter again until after the birth of her grandchild. “It was totally unexpected,” she shared, overwhelmed with joy.
In a moment of levity, Kennedy even joked about naming the baby after Culley’s lawyer, Malkhaz Salakhaia, a testament to his dedication and skill. Salakhaia confirmed that Culley’s passport would be returned, allowing her to leave Georgia and return home.
Salakhaia believes the court reached the only just outcome given the complex circumstances. He emphasized Culley’s consistent sincerity throughout the investigation, a factor that undoubtedly played a role in the leniency shown.
Initially facing the prospect of a lengthy prison term, even life imprisonment, Culley’s fate was dramatically altered by Georgia’s legal framework. The country allows for financial settlements in certain cases, particularly those involving drugs, offering a path to reduced or eliminated sentences.
The story took another unsettling turn when it emerged that Culley had been reported missing in Thailand shortly before her arrest. She maintained her innocence, claiming she had been tortured and coerced into carrying the drugs while in Thailand.
Upon her arrival in Georgia, Salakhaia reported that Culley displayed visible signs of physical abuse, raising serious questions about the events that preceded her arrest. These allegations added another layer of complexity to an already harrowing case.
