British Teenager Held in Georgian Prison Could Be Freed After Paying Fine
Bella Culley, a pregnant British teenager, has reportedly been informed that she could be released from a Georgian prison, where she is facing drug-smuggling charges, if she pays a significant fine.
The 19-year-old from Billingham, Teesside, has been detained in the former Soviet state for over three months following accusations of attempting to bring 14kg of cannabis into the country in a travel bag. If found guilty, she could face up to 20 years in prison.
Concerns for her safety first arose when she disappeared during a trip to Thailand in May. She later appeared nearly 4,000 miles away in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, where authorities arrested her.
While in custody the following month, she turned 19, and during a court hearing in July, it was revealed that she is expecting a baby boy. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, sought her release before trial, telling the court, “I want her to experience motherhood in freedom.” However, the judge ruled that no new evidence had been provided and ordered her to remain detained.
On Tuesday, the BBC reported that Culley appeared in court again, where Judge Giorgi Gelashvili heard that prosecution and defense teams were negotiating a plea deal that could secure her freedom in exchange for a substantial payment described as having “many zeros.”
Reports suggested the sum would be in Georgian lari—with the British pound currently valued at approximately ₾3.60.
The prosecution argued that Culley could attempt to flee or reoffend if released on bail. Gelashvili ruled that she must stay in custody until the next hearing on 9 October unless an agreement is reached earlier.
The UK Foreign Office said it is “providing support to the family of a British woman detained in Georgia.” Meanwhile, Cleveland Police confirmed that an 18-year-old woman from Billingham was arrested in Georgia in May over suspected drug offenses.
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