A young woman named Bella Culley, who is pregnant, has been given permission to fly back to the UK from Georgia after being detained on drug smuggling charges. Bella, 19, was released on compassionate grounds and will be accompanied by her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, on an easyJet flight landing at London Luton Airport. Originally from Billingham in Teesside, Bella faced accusations of trying to transport marijuana and hashish in her luggage at Tbilisi international airport.
Following five months in a Georgian prison, where she described difficult conditions including having to improvise for meals and sanitation, Bella’s sentence was reduced to less than six months due to a plea deal. The decision to release her was influenced by her young age, pregnancy, and cooperation with authorities. Prosecutors cited her behavior and circumstances as reasons for the reduced sentence, showing leniency as she approaches giving birth.
Video footage captured Bella looking surprised and grateful as she left the courthouse, expressing relief at her unexpected release. When asked about her time in prison, her mother intervened, indicating they did not wish to discuss it further. Bella expressed her relief and eagerness to leave the court premises promptly.
Plans are in place for Bella to be driven back to her home in the North East after landing at Luton Airport.