Bella Culley, a 19-year-old pregnant British teenager, has been released from a Georgian prison following a plea agreement that concluded her six-month detention on drug trafficking charges. Culley, originally from Billingham, Teesside, was arrested in May at Tbilisi International Airport after authorities discovered 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in her luggage.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Initially facing a potential 20-year sentence, Culley's case took a turn when Georgian prosecutors amended the terms of her plea bargain. Her family paid a substantial fine of £137,000, which, combined with time already served, led to her release. The Georgian judicial system permits financial plea agreements in certain drug-related cases, allowing for reduced sentences.

Family's Reaction and Legal Context

Culley and her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, were visibly emotional as the court proceedings concluded. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, confirmed that Culley would receive her passport and be free to leave Georgia. The teenager's release was unexpected, as her mother had feared she would only see her daughter again upon the birth of her grandchild.

Claims of Coercion and Separate Investigation

Culley has maintained that she was coerced into smuggling drugs by gangsters in Thailand, who allegedly tortured her with a hot iron. This claim has prompted a separate criminal investigation by Georgian authorities. Despite her initial not guilty plea, Culley ultimately admitted to the charges, citing duress as a significant factor.

Humanizing the Legal Struggle

Throughout the ordeal, Culley expressed her desire to travel and emphasized her clean record and university student status. Her lawyer noted visible signs of torture upon her arrival in Georgia, underscoring the complexity of her situation.