Tbilisi, Georgia — The family of 19-year-old Bella Culley, a British teenager who has been on trial for drug smuggling in Georgia, has agreed to a plea bargain involving a payment of £137,000 to reduce her prison sentence to two years. The decision to enter the plea bargain was made after Bella faced the possibility of serving up to 20 years or life imprisonment if convicted.
Bella Culley, from Billingham, Teesside, was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport in May after 12kg (26lbs) of marijuana and 2kg (4.4lbs) of hashish were found in her luggage. The teenager, who is 35 weeks pregnant, had previously claimed that she was tortured into transporting the drugs. Her family, in an attempt to avoid a much longer prison sentence, agreed to pay 500,000 Georgian Lari, roughly equivalent to £137,000, to reduce her sentence under Georgia’s legal system, which frequently resolves drug-related cases through plea bargains.
What Happened
Bella Culley’s trial stems from her arrest earlier this year when drugs were discovered in her luggage at the airport in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. According to reports, Culley was coming from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, having flown from Thailand. After her arrest, she pleaded not guilty to the charges of possession and trafficking illegal drugs, asserting that she was coerced into smuggling the drugs and was tortured in the process.
In a plea bargain arrangement, Bella’s family transferred £137,000 to reduce her potential sentence from the possibility of life in prison to a reduced two-year sentence. However, her immediate release could not be arranged, and the payment still needs to be confirmed. Her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, shared that the family was awaiting confirmation from the Georgian authorities that the funds had been received, which is expected to be confirmed the following day.
Bella’s Pregnancy and the Trial
Bella is reported to be 35 weeks pregnant, and as the trial continues, there is growing concern that she may have to give birth while incarcerated. Her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, confirmed that Bella is “looking big, pregnant, but she is looking strong,” as the legal proceedings continue.
The next court appearance for Bella is scheduled for Monday, where the technical issue related to the plea deal is expected to be resolved. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, stated that the family is aware of the plea bargain conditions and that negotiations are “nearing completion.” There are also plans to seek a presidential pardon for Bella once the deal is finalized.
Background and Previous Statements
Before her arrest, Bella Culley had been reported as missing in Thailand. She was later arrested at Tbilisi International Airport on May 10, 2025, as she disembarked from a flight originating from Sharjah. Following her arrest, Bella maintained her innocence, claiming that she was forced to carry the drugs against her will and under duress.
“I just wanted to travel,” she said during a previous hearing. “I am a good person. I am a student at university. I am a clean person. I don’t do drugs.” Despite her claims, Bella has now entered the plea deal in an effort to avoid a harsher sentence.
Reactions and Community Support
Bella’s family has been vocal in their efforts to support her through the legal proceedings. Lyanne Kennedy, Bella’s mother, expressed that while they are working towards a solution, they remain hopeful that Bella will be treated fairly and with compassion given her circumstances.
The news of the plea agreement and Bella’s impending reduced sentence has sparked attention across the UK and Georgia. Advocacy for Bella’s case is growing, with some calling for her immediate release due to her pregnancy and the potential challenges she may face in prison.
What Happens Next
As the investigation and trial continue, Bella’s supporters remain hopeful that the plea agreement will be finalized, leading to a reduced sentence. The family’s next steps will include working with legal representatives to potentially appeal for further clemency, as well as requesting a pardon from Georgia’s president once the plea deal is concluded.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
