Lawyers representing Bella Culley, a pregnant woman accused of drug smuggling, are seeking her release from custody before she gives birth. Despite reaching a plea deal that includes a two-year jail sentence, Culley’s family has paid £138,000 to the court. There is uncertainty regarding whether she will serve her entire sentence in a women’s jail in Tbilisi or potentially be placed under house arrest or extradited to the UK.
In a recent court session in Tbilisi, it was disclosed that Culley’s legal team is considering applying for a presidential pardon as a means to expedite her departure from Georgia. If the pardon request is unsuccessful, there is a possibility that Culley could be granted parole based on her pregnancy and behavior while in custody.
Should all other options fail, sources suggest that Culley will be transferred to a nearby hospital to give birth before returning to jail with provisions made for her and her child. Culley, visibly surprised during the court proceedings, has already spent five months in jail awaiting trial. Her lawyer had previously implied that the amount paid towards fines would influence the length of her sentence.
Following the court hearing, Culley’s mother expressed disappointment at the court’s demand for a higher sum than what the family had paid for her release. Despite negotiations, the court held firm on its original request of £220,000. The prosecutor confirmed that the plea agreement conditions had been met, while Culley’s lawyer requested her release on bail, citing her cooperation and advanced pregnancy.
Bella, a student nurse from Billingham, Teesside, found herself in legal trouble after being caught with a significant amount of cannabis in her possession. She claims she was coerced into drug trafficking by a criminal organization through threats and intimidation. Her lawyer assured that Bella’s pregnancy is progressing well and that she will have the opportunity to bond with her child after birth.