Pregnant British Teen Freed From Georgian Prison After Drug Smuggling Plea Deal

Bella May Culley, a 19-year-old British teenager who is eight months pregnant, was released from prison in Georgia after being accused of smuggling 12 kilograms of marijuana and two kilograms of hashish. She was arrested at Tbilisi Airport in May and faced a potential sentence of up to 15 or even 20 years in prison. Prosecutors considered her age, pregnancy, and cooperation, and reached a plea deal that resulted in her serving nearly six months, the time she had already spent in custody, and paying a fine exceeding £137,000. Culley expressed surprise and happiness at her release, while her mother was present during the court proceedings. The case drew significant attention amid Georgia's recent tightening of drug-related penalties. Following her release, Culley was given her passport and is free to leave the country.