Britain04 November, 20252 min read
Georgia Frees Pregnant British Teen Drug Smuggler After Six Months in Prison
Bella Culley was arrested in May at Tbilisi airport with 12kg marijuana and 2kg hashish. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five months and 24-25 days, time already served.
15 outlets told this the same way.
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Release of Pregnant British Woman
Georgia freed 19-year-old pregnant Briton Bella May Culley after roughly six months in custody. She was arrested in May at Tbilisi Airport with 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish. She received a sentence roughly equal to her time already served and was released once her family paid a 500,000 lari fine under a plea arrangement.
“Bella May Culley, a 19-year-old pregnant British teenager... was arrested at Tbilisi Airport in Georgia on May 10 for attempting to smuggle 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish.”
Prosecutors had considered a longer term but credited the time she had already served. Several outlets report she is expected to return to the UK soon and give birth before Christmas. The core facts reported across sources are consistent on the arrest location, drug quantities, the fine, and that her release effectively matched time served.
Details of Culley's Release
Accounts differ on the legal pathway that led to Culley’s release. Multiple outlets cite a plea arrangement involving a 500,000 lari payment and prosecutors taking time served into account. Some sources describe a formal sentence equal to the time detained.
The Guardian explains that Georgia’s system allows financial plea agreements to reduce or eliminate prison time. Mail Online uniquely reports British Embassy involvement, stating that diplomats requested a presidential pardon that went to the Pardon Commission. Reporting conflicts on Culley’s plea posture, with some sources stating she pleaded guilty and others saying she initially pleaded not guilty before the deal.
Coerced Drug Transport Allegations
Culley and her family claim she was forced to transport drugs by criminals while traveling in Southeast Asia. Some reports mention she was subjected to torture. There is variation in reports about who coerced her: some say a British gang, others a Thai gang, and several refer to a drug trafficking ring.
“She claimed she was forced by a drug trafficking gang to carry drugs and was tortured with a hot iron.”
It was initially believed that she was missing in Thailand. She traveled from Thailand to Georgia via the UAE. Authorities in Georgia are reportedly investigating the claims of coercion.
Detention Conditions and Reports
Accounts of Culley’s detention conditions vary significantly. Multiple sources describe harsh or difficult conditions at the Rustavi women’s facility. Other reports note that she was moved to a mother-and-baby unit during her pregnancy.
In contrast, the BBC states that although Georgia’s prisons have faced criticism, recent reforms and a UN sub-committee visit found no concerns. This suggests a more institutional assessment compared to first-person or tabloid descriptions.
Culley's Return and Court Outcome
Next steps reported include the return of Culley’s passport and her departure from Georgia. Several outlets say she will return to the UK soon and give birth in December. Her family’s financial role is widely noted, though reported amounts vary by outlet and currency.
“Her lawyer confirmed she will soon receive her passport and be free to leave Georgia.”
Some sources add unique details, such as a last-minute plea bargain or diplomatic outreach. Other reports focus on the relief and surprise of the courtroom outcome.
