Pregnant alleged drug smuggler Bella Culley is seeking early release from prison before her expected delivery, as disclosed by sources close to the situation. Despite agreeing to a two-year jail term in a plea deal, the 19-year-old Brit, due to give birth in December, will be formally sentenced soon for her involvement in an alleged drug smuggling attempt from Thailand to Georgia.
The court session in Tbilisi revealed that Culley’s family, including her mother and father, have paid a substantial sum of £138,000 to the court. It remains uncertain whether she will complete her sentence in a women’s prison near Tbilisi, her current location, or if alternative arrangements such as house arrest or extradition to the UK might be considered.
Reportedly, Culley’s legal team is contemplating the option of seeking a presidential pardon, which, if granted, would result in her immediate departure from Georgia. Should the pardon request be unsuccessful, there is a possibility of Culley being granted parole before childbirth, taking into account her pregnancy and good conduct during her time in custody.
Failing any freedom efforts, sources suggest that Culley could be transferred from prison to a nearby medical facility for childbirth, followed by raising her child within a specialized custody arrangement. Throughout these legal proceedings, Culley appeared in court, showcasing a new look and expressing a mix of emotions, from surprise at the plea deal details to later moments of happiness with her family.
Culley’s legal representative previously indicated that the amount of the fine paid could impact the duration of her sentence, potentially leading to a nullification of jail time based on the financial contributions made. Despite efforts to negotiate the release amount, the court’s initial demand of £220,000 exceeded the family’s payment.
Confirming the plea bargain fulfillment, the prosecutor stated that all conditions had been met. Culley’s lawyer echoed this sentiment, calling for a final hearing to determine the verdict. The request for bail before the sentencing hearing was denied by the judge due to the absence of legal grounds for altering Culley’s current conditions.
As conversations revolved around the implications of imprisonment on her newborn, Culley sought assurances from her lawyer, who reassured her of retaining custody. The journey of the student nurse from Billingham, Teesside, who found herself entangled in a drug trafficking scenario in Georgia after a distressing sequence of events in Thailand, remains a complex legal saga. Culley’s claims of coercion by threatening entities have been a focal point in her defense strategy, highlighting the turbulent circumstances that led to her current predicament.
Following the recent court proceedings, Culley’s lawyer provided an update on her well-being, assuring that her pregnancy is progressing smoothly and that she will have the opportunity to bond with her child post-delivery.