Pregnant woman Bella Culley, who had been imprisoned in Georgia, was seen getting ready to return to the UK just a day after her release. The 19-year-old, expecting to give birth soon, arrived at Tbilisi’s International Airport with her mother, Lyanne. They were rushing to catch an EasyJet flight departing from the former Soviet republic to London Luton Airport.
Witnesses observed the pair hurrying into the airport and checking in at an EasyJet counter, barely making it in time for their flight. Bella’s mother declined to comment on their feelings as they prepared to board the plane. Bella’s lawyer expressed happiness over her release, stating that he wished them well.
Following a brief court hearing on Monday, Bella was unexpectedly set free instead of facing a two-year jail term for drug smuggling. Overwhelmed with emotions, Bella embraced her mother and expressed gratitude to the court. The authorities considered her age, condition, and cooperation, leading to her release.
Bella’s lawyer negotiated a last-minute agreement before the court session, resulting in her unexpected release. Her family, including her charity worker mother and oil rig technician father, had agreed to pay a substantial fine as part of the deal. Despite earlier expectations of giving birth in jail, efforts were made to secure her release before the birth.
If she had remained in prison, arrangements were in place for her to give birth in a hospital before being accommodated in a special room with her child. Bella’s mother shared details of her daughter’s improved conditions in jail, highlighting the recent transfer to a mother and baby unit.
During a previous hearing, Bella inquired about her baby’s fate if she returned to jail, receiving assurance from her lawyer. Bella’s journey from Thailand to Georgia, where she was arrested for drug trafficking, involved harrowing experiences with criminal elements. She claimed coercion through torture and threats by gangsters, leading to her involvement in drug trafficking activities.