British Teenager Faces Drug Smuggling Trial in Georgia Amidst Plea for Understanding
Published 24 July 2025
Highlights
- Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British national, faces drug smuggling charges in Georgia, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.
- Culley was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport in May, where authorities found 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in her luggage.
- Her lawyer argues that Culley was coerced into the crime and has proposed a plea deal involving a 50,000 Georgian lari payment for her release.
- The court has scheduled the trial for September, with Culley remaining in detention until then unless a plea agreement is reached.
- Culley, who is pregnant, expressed hope that the court would understand her situation, emphasizing her innocence and lack of intent to commit a crime.
A British teenager, Bella Culley, is at the center of a high-profile legal battle in Georgia, where she faces serious drug smuggling charges. The 19-year-old from Billingham, Teesside, was arrested on May 10 at Tbilisi International Airport after authorities discovered 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in her luggage. If convicted, Culley could face a sentence ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment.
Court Proceedings and Defense Strategy
During a brief court session in Tbilisi, Culley, who is pregnant, appealed to the judges to "see my story through my eyes," expressing disbelief at her situation. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakia, contended that Culley was coerced into the crime, stating, "There were people who forced my client to commit this unknowingly." Salakia proposed a plea deal involving a payment of 50,000 Georgian lari (approximately £13,500) to secure her release, arguing that Culley poses no threat of influencing witnesses, as they are police and officials.
Emotional Moments and Family Support
Throughout the 30-minute hearing, Culley exchanged emotional glances with her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, who became visibly upset upon learning the gender of her unborn grandchild. Kennedy reassured her daughter, saying, "I'll come and see you tomorrow, I love you." The court has scheduled the trial for September, with Culley remaining in detention until then unless a plea agreement is reached.
Background and Legal Context
Culley, who is the great-granddaughter of former Labour MP Frank Cook, initially went missing in Thailand before her arrest in Georgia. She maintains her innocence, claiming she was forced into the situation through coercion. The British Embassy has advised her family against speaking to the press, while the Foreign Office confirmed its support for the family during this challenging time.
What this might mean
As the trial date approaches, the legal team may continue to negotiate a plea deal to secure Culley's release, especially given her pregnancy and the potential health implications of remaining in detention. The case highlights the complexities of international drug trafficking charges and the challenges faced by foreign nationals in navigating foreign legal systems. Should the plea deal be accepted, it could set a precedent for similar cases involving coerced participation in drug smuggling. However, if the trial proceeds, the outcome could have significant implications for Culley's future and her family's efforts to support her through this ordeal.
