A potential plea agreement that may result in the release of Bella Culley, accused of being a ‘drug mule’ in Georgia, is currently being finalized. Bella, a 19-year-old British national who is six months pregnant, has been in custody since earlier this year for allegedly smuggling drugs into the country. Negotiations for a plea deal are progressing in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, with specifics being worked out. During a recent court session, it was mentioned that a plea agreement was under consideration, potentially leading to Bella’s release upon payment of an undisclosed fine. The amount of the fine will influence the duration of any potential sentence, including the possibility of avoiding jail time based on the sum paid.
In a hearing at the Tbilisi City Court, the prosecutor disclosed ongoing discussions regarding a plea agreement, with final details in the works. Both the prosecution and Bella have agreed to postpone the hearing while Bella’s legal representative is coordinating with her family to reach a decision. The next scheduled court session is set for October 28.
Bella, hailing from Billingham, Teesside, had gone missing in Thailand before being apprehended in Georgia after arriving at Tbilisi International Airport in May. Authorities purportedly discovered marijuana and hashish in her belongings. During a court appearance in July, Bella asserted that she was coerced and tortured into the situation, emphasizing her innocence based on clean drug test results and expressing her desire to honor her family.
Moreover, in a subsequent court appearance in late July, it was revealed that Bella is expecting a baby boy. Addressing the judge, Bella shared her perspective on the unfolding events, stating her disbelief at the circumstances she found herself in.