Pregnant Bella Culley, who is facing allegations of drug smuggling, is seeking early release from jail before her expected childbirth in December. Despite reaching a plea deal resulting in a two-year jail term, Culley’s legal team is exploring various avenues to secure her release. Her family has already paid a significant sum of £138,000 to the court as part of the legal proceedings.
The final decision on whether Culley will serve her entire sentence in a women’s jail in Tbilisi or be granted house arrest or extradition to the UK remains uncertain. However, there are discussions about applying for a presidential pardon to expedite her departure from Georgia. If unsuccessful, there is a possibility of parole release due to her pregnancy and positive conduct during detention.
In the event that all release attempts fail, sources suggest Culley may be transferred to a nearby hospital for childbirth before returning to jail with provisions for caring for her child. During a recent court appearance, Culley, donning a new hairstyle, displayed a mix of surprise and happiness upon learning about the plea deal details. Her lawyer had previously indicated that the fine paid could influence the sentence length, potentially leading to a nullification of jail time.
Following the hearing, Culley’s mother expressed disappointment at the court’s demand for a higher amount than what was paid for her daughter’s release. Negotiations regarding the amount required for release are ongoing, with the court initially setting a figure of £220,000. The prosecutor confirmed that the plea bargain terms had been met, paving the way for a final verdict.
Despite a request for bail, the judge denied the motion, citing a lack of legal grounds for altering Culley’s conditions before the upcoming sentencing hearing. Culley’s lawyer emphasized her cooperation and guilty plea, advocating for her release on bail considering her advanced pregnancy. Culley herself expressed concerns about her baby’s welfare upon returning to jail, to which her lawyer reassured her.
Culley, a student nurse from Billingham, Teesside, found herself in a complex situation after being detained in Georgia for drug trafficking, following a distressing experience in Thailand. She alleges being coerced by criminals through threats and violence, leading to her involvement in drug smuggling. Despite the challenges, her lawyer affirmed her well-being and the smooth progress of her pregnancy, ensuring that she will remain in contact with her child after birth.