A young pregnant British woman accused of drug smuggling in Georgia has been relocated to a specialized facility within the prison where she now enjoys improved living conditions, including access to personal hygiene amenities, according to her mother. Bella May Culley, 19, who was apprehended at Tbilisi Airport, is said to have attempted to bring a significant amount of marijuana and hashish into the country. Her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, revealed that after being transferred from a prison with harsh conditions to one housing a mother and baby unit, Culley’s situation has notably progressed, with enhanced privileges such as increased outdoor time, access to a communal kitchen, and better sanitary facilities.
Kennedy expressed relief at the improved circumstances, mentioning that Culley can now engage in common activities with other inmates, including cooking meals and enjoying a variety of foods. The family remains hopeful for Culley’s return home and is actively supporting her through the legal process. Culley purportedly endured hardships in Thailand before being coerced into smuggling drugs, and her sentencing outcome is pending following negotiations between her legal team and authorities in Georgia.
In a bid to secure a reduced sentence, Culley’s family has paid a substantial sum as part of a plea agreement. Her lawyer indicated plans to seek a pardon from the Georgian president post-sentencing. The plea deal stipulates a two-year jail term, with the formal sentencing scheduled for the following day. The court confirmed the agreement, paving the way for the final verdict to be delivered soon. Despite a request for bail, the judge denied the motion, citing the absence of legal grounds for a change in custody conditions.
As the sentencing hearing approaches, concerns about Culley’s pregnancy and the fate of her child persist. Her lawyer reassured her that she would not be separated from the baby, although it remains uncertain whether she will serve her sentence in Tbilisi or if alternative arrangements will be made. The upcoming court session is slated to provide further clarity on the case’s progression.