Nineteen-year-old British suspect Bella Culley, found to be carrying drugs, tearfully reveals in a Georgia court hearing that she is expecting a baby boy. In her emotional plea, Culley implores the court to view the situation from her perspective.
In a recent turn of events, the trial of British teenager Bella Culley, currently incarcerated in a Georgian jail on suspected drug smuggling charges, has been postponed until September 2025, unless a plea deal is reached earlier[1][2]. This update comes as Bella, who hails from Billingham, Teesside, discovered she is expecting a baby boy during her latest court appearance on July 24, 2025[2][3].
Despite the joyous news, the Georgian court denied Bella bail and ruled to keep her in custody[2][3][4][5]. The 19-year-old denies the charges, which involve possession and trafficking of a large quantity of marijuana and hashish. Her defense argues that she was coerced into cooperation under duress, citing physical abuse and intimidation of family members[1][3].
Bella's mother, Lyanne Kennedy, attended her first court hearing since her daughter's arrest. During the hearing, Bella claimed she was pregnant and expressed hope that the court "see my story through my eyes"[2]. Her lawyer argued for bail, but the request was denied. Bella's lawyer also claimed that she tried to show police a scar on her arm as evidence of coercion[1].
The prosecution has detailed the drugs found in Bella's possession, which could lead to a sentence of up to 20 years or life imprisonment if convicted[1][2]. Bella's lawyer described the unborn child as 'a labor of love'.
This case has garnered international attention, with Bella sparking an international search operation while holidaying in Thailand prior to her arrest[6]. Bella was charged with purchasing 446g of tetraphenol cannabinol and 11.2kg of cannabis abroad[1]. She was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport on May 10, 2025[7].
Thai police released CCTV showing Bella calmly passing through airport checks without showing unusual behavior[8]. Bella maintains that she was violently coerced into trafficking the narcotics. She is currently languishing in Women's Colony Number 5 on the outskirts of Tbilisi[9].
Bella's mother was visibly distressed during the court hearing but appeared relieved when told it was a boy[2][3]. The defense team has provided the court with names and descriptions of individuals they say coerced Bella[1][3]. A further hearing has been scheduled for September 2, 2025[4].
As of now, no further updates beyond late July 2025 are currently available.
[1] BBC News, "Bella Culley: Teenager charged with drug smuggling in Georgia", July 23, 2025,
- Amidst the postponement of Bella Culley's trial until September 2025, the ongoing case raises concerns in the realm of crime and justice, as well as women's health, given Bella's pregnancy.
- The news of Bella's pregnancy has brought the health-and-wellness aspect into focus, with her lawyer describing the unborn child as 'a labor of love'.
- The international attention garnered by Bella's case also highlights the importance of general news, with updates being reported by various media outlets across the globe.
- As science continues to explore the physical and emotional impacts of incarceration on pregnant women, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fair and just treatment for all individuals, especially women, during travel and while abroad.
