A young pregnant British woman facing allegations of drug trafficking has been relocated to a specialized facility within a Georgian prison, where she now has access to improved amenities, according to her mother. Bella May Culley, 19, who is said to be in her eighth month of pregnancy, was apprehended at Tbilisi Airport in May for purportedly attempting to smuggle significant quantities of marijuana and hashish into the country.
Culley’s mother, Lyanne Kennedy, disclosed to the media that her daughter has been transferred to a prison equipped with a mother and baby unit. Previously detained at Georgia’s Rustavi Prison Number Five, Culley’s living conditions were reportedly substandard, with limited access to basic facilities. However, following the relocation, Kennedy noted significant enhancements in Culley’s situation, including increased outdoor time, access to a communal kitchen, private shower facilities, and a proper toilet.
Kennedy shared that Culley is now able to engage in communal cooking activities with other inmates, preparing various meals like eggy bread, cheese toasties, and salt and pepper chicken. The family is actively working towards bringing Culley back home, emphasizing their unwavering support for her and her unborn child.
Reports suggest that Culley has detailed harrowing experiences of coercion by criminal elements in Thailand, compelling her to transport drugs. The final verdict on Culley’s case is expected to be delivered soon after negotiations between her legal representatives and the judicial authorities in Georgia. In a bid to reduce her sentence, Culley’s family has already made significant financial contributions.
While Culley is anticipated to receive a two-year jail term as part of a plea agreement, her lawyer has expressed intentions to seek a presidential pardon. Despite requests for bail, the judge has upheld her current detention status, citing legal constraints. Culley’s advanced pregnancy has raised concerns about the welfare of her unborn child, prompting discussions on potential custody arrangements during her incarceration period.