The family of Bella Culley, a 19-year-old British national, has paid 500,000 Georgian Lari (£137,000) as part of a plea bargain agreement in her drug smuggling trial in Georgia. The payment aims to reduce her potential sentence, which previously included up to 20 years or life imprisonment. Miss Culley was arrested in May at Tbilisi International Airport after drugs were found in her luggage and is currently 35 weeks pregnant.
Plea Bargain Agreement
Bella Culley's mother, Lyanne Kennedy, confirmed that the family has transferred £137,000 (500,000 Georgian Lari) as part of a plea bargain. Confirmation of receipt from prosecutors is pending. This agreement is intended to significantly reduce Miss Culley's sentence for drug-related charges. In Georgia, over 90% of drug-related crimes are resolved through plea bargains. Miss Culley will remain in pre-trial detention until her next hearing on Monday.
Malkhaz Salakaia, representing Miss Culley, stated that negotiations are "nearing completion" and that "a technical issue" needs resolution. Mr. Salakaia also indicated plans to appeal to the President of Georgia for a pardon after the plea deal is finalized.
Arrest and Charges
Miss Culley was arrested on May 10 at Tbilisi International Airport. Police reported finding 12kg (26lbs) of marijuana and 2kg (4.4lbs) of hashish in her luggage upon her arrival on a flight from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
At a hearing in July, Miss Culley pleaded not guilty to charges of possession and trafficking illegal drugs. She claimed she had been "forced to do this through torture."
Current Status
Miss Culley, 19, from Billingham, Teesside, is currently believed to be 35 weeks pregnant. Her mother noted her daughter was "looking strong" outside court. Miss Culley is being detained at prison number 5.