Pregnant woman Bella Culley, who had been detained in Georgia, was seen making preparations to return to the UK only a day after her release from prison. Bella, aged 19 and expecting a baby next month, arrived at Tbilisi’s International Airport with her mother Lyanne. They were set to catch an EasyJet flight departing from Georgia at 1.35pm UK time and arriving at London Luton Airport at 7pm UK time.
Witnesses observed Bella and her mother rushing into the airport and checking in for their flight at an EasyJet counter just in time. Bella’s mother declined to comment on their feelings before the flight, while Bella’s lawyer expressed happiness at her release.
Bella was unexpectedly freed from jail following a court hearing where she was initially expected to receive a prison sentence for drug smuggling. However, prosecutors altered the plea deal, leading to her release. Bella expressed surprise at her freedom and emotional gratitude to her family upon leaving the court.
The decision to release Bella was influenced by factors such as her age, pregnancy, good behavior, and cooperation. Her lawyer stated that the release would provide a more stable environment for her to become a mother. Bella’s family had agreed to pay a significant fine as part of the plea deal, which played a role in her release.
Despite previous expectations that Bella would give birth in jail, her lawyer had been actively seeking her release before the birth, either through a presidential pardon or parole. Bella’s family had prepared to pay a substantial sum for her release, impacting the length of her sentence.
If she had remained in custody, arrangements were in place for her to give birth in a hospital before returning to jail with her child. Bella’s mother shared details about Bella’s improved conditions inside the jail’s mother and baby unit.
During earlier court proceedings, Bella had expressed concerns about her baby’s fate if she returned to jail, which her lawyer reassured her about. Bella’s journey from Thailand to Georgia, her arrest for drug trafficking, and her claims of coercion by criminal elements were also highlighted during the legal process.