A potential plea agreement that may lead to the release of Bella Culley, a British 19-year-old accused of drug smuggling in Georgia, is currently in the final stages of negotiation. Culley, who is six months pregnant, has been in custody since earlier this year after being apprehended for allegedly carrying drugs into the country.
The court in Tbilisi, Georgia, has been informed that discussions regarding a plea deal are ongoing and nearing completion. During a recent court session, it was mentioned that a plea agreement was under consideration, suggesting that Culley could secure her freedom by paying an undisclosed fine. Her legal representative clarified that the amount paid would impact the duration of any potential sentence, with the option of avoiding imprisonment entirely based on the sum of money offered.
During a recent hearing at Tbilisi City Court, the prosecutor confirmed that negotiations for a plea deal were progressing, with final details being ironed out. Both the prosecution and Culley agreed to delay the hearing to allow for further deliberation. Culley’s lawyer is consulting with her family to reach a decision, with the next court session scheduled for October 28.
Culley, who hails from Billingham, Teesside, went missing in Thailand before reappearing in Georgia, where she was apprehended at Tbilisi International Airport in May. Authorities purportedly discovered marijuana and hashish in her luggage. In a previous court appearance in July, Culley asserted that she was coerced into the illegal activity and claimed innocence, emphasizing that she only desired to travel and make her family proud.
Moreover, it was revealed in a subsequent court session in July that Culley is expecting a boy. Addressing the judge, she expressed her disbelief at the unfolding events and hoped for understanding of her perspective.