A pregnant British teenager, Bella May Culley, 19, could serve two years in prison in Georgia after her family paid over €157,000 as part of a plea bargain on drug smuggling charges.
- Culley was arrested in May at Tbilisi Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 12 kg of marijuana and 2 kg of hashish into the country, offences that carry a maximum life sentence.
- Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakhaia, said negotiations with prosecutors are “in the final stage,” with only technical details remaining before the verdict on Monday.
- Culley’s mother confirmed the €158,000 payment under Georgia’s system allowing financial settlements in exchange for reduced or suspended sentences, commonly used in drug-related cases.
- The teenager, from Teesside, England, claimed she was tortured in Thailand and forced to carry the drugs before her arrest. Her lawyer said she showed visible injuries upon arrival in Georgia.
If convicted, Culley could still be pardoned by the president, though prosecutors have not confirmed if that will be considered.