The legal representative of Bella Culley, a pregnant teenager facing drug charges in Georgia, has criticized the British embassy for not providing sufficient assistance. Bella, who is five months pregnant, is potentially eligible for a plea deal that could result in her release from prison. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, expressed dissatisfaction with the British authorities for failing to support his client adequately. The embassy has not visited Bella since her family retained legal counsel, nor has it supplied any written references, according to Salakaia.
The Foreign Office stated that it is in contact with Bella’s family and local authorities but confirmed only one in-person visit to the prison on May 16. A spokesperson from the Foreign Office mentioned, “We are supporting a British woman detained in Georgia and are liaising with her family and local authorities.”
During Bella’s recent court appearance in Tbilisi, discussions about a potential plea agreement were brought to light. The agreement could lead to Bella’s release upon payment of an undisclosed fine. Bella’s lawyer indicated that the process of negotiating the plea agreement is progressing successfully, with the family needing time to prepare for it.
The prosecutor confirmed that conditions for the plea agreement had been proposed, and both sides acknowledged the undeniable evidence in the case. Bail was denied, and the next hearing is scheduled for October 9.
Following the hearing, Bella’s lawyer mentioned that while the discussions were advanced, payment is required to finalize the agreement. Depending on the amount paid, Bella’s sentence could potentially be reduced or annulled. Bella’s family is currently undecided on the specific amount to be paid.
Bella’s mother, Lyanne Kennedy, expressed her love for her daughter during the hearing. Bella, who hails from Billingham, Teesside, was arrested in Georgia after being found with marijuana and hashish in her luggage. She has maintained that she was coerced through torture and expressed her desire to make her family proud.
In a subsequent hearing, it was revealed that Bella is expecting a boy. She shared her story with the judge, expressing disbelief at the events that have unfolded in her life.
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