A young pregnant woman named Bella Culley is set to return to the UK today after receiving permission to board a direct plane back home. Culley, aged 19, was detained in Georgia on drug smuggling charges but was released on compassionate grounds. She will be flying back with her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, on an easyJet flight scheduled to arrive at London Luton Airport at 7pm. Despite concerns about her pregnancy, Culley’s lawyer confirmed that she can fly without any special permission.
Hailing from Billingham in Teesside, Culley was facing sentencing in Georgia for allegedly attempting to smuggle 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in her luggage at Tbilisi international airport in May. During her time in a Georgian prison, Culley described harsh conditions, including having to improvise meals and facilities.
Initially facing a two-year prison term, Culley’s sentence was reduced to five months and 25 days following a plea deal signed by prosecutors and her defense team. The decision to release her was influenced by her youth, pregnancy, and cooperation with authorities, according to her lawyer and prosecutors.
Upon her release, Culley expressed relief and gratitude, stating that she did not anticipate being freed. She declined to comment on the prison conditions, deferring to her mother’s disapproval. Culley is now expected to be driven back to her home in the North East upon arrival at Luton Airport.