A pregnant British teenager who faced up to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking in Georgia has been freed after prosecutors made a last-minute change to her plea deal.
Nineteen-year-old Bella Culley, from Billingham, Teesside, said she felt “happy and relieved” as she walked out of court in Tbilisi, arm-in-arm with her mother Lyanne Kennedy.
Culley was arrested on 10 May at Tbilisi International Airport after police discovered 12kg (26lb) of marijuana and 2kg (4.4lb) of hashish hidden in her luggage. The teenager had pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges, initially facing a potential two-decade prison sentence under Georgian law.
However, prosecutors unexpectedly amended the terms of her plea bargain during Tuesday’s hearing. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, confirmed that the decision factored in her young age and pregnancy, prompting her immediate release.
Speaking briefly outside the courthouse, Culley told reporters: “I’m just happy and relieved. I didn’t think this would happen today. I thought I’d be in there much longer.”
Her mother, visibly emotional, thanked Georgian authorities for “showing compassion” and expressed gratitude to the British Embassy in Tbilisi for their assistance throughout the legal process.
Culley’s case had attracted growing attention in both Georgia and the UK, with campaigners urging leniency given her circumstances. Supporters highlighted her cooperation with investigators and her expressed remorse during court proceedings.
According to Georgian media, prosecutors initially sought a substantial prison term but reconsidered after receiving evidence of her pregnancy and testimony about her mental health and personal background.
Her lawyer described the final decision as “humane and fair,” noting that the plea modification demonstrated flexibility within Georgia’s justice system.
“Bella made a mistake, but she has shown genuine remorse,” Salakaia said. “The prosecution recognised her situation and agreed she should not give birth behind bars.”
The family is now working with local authorities to recover Culley’s passport, which remains held by police as part of the investigation. Once returned, they plan to return to the UK “as soon as possible.”
Officials have not confirmed whether Culley will face any additional conditions or travel restrictions before leaving Georgia.
Her release marks a dramatic turnaround in a case that began with severe criminal charges and international concern over her wellbeing. As she left the courthouse, smiling softly beside her mother, Culley told journalists: “I just want to go home.”
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
:Pregnant British teen Bella Culley is freed from a Georgian prison after prosecutors revised her plea deal, citing her young age and pregnancy){kind=link}