An attorney representing 18-year-old Bella May Culley has provided an update on her current status after she disappeared during a trip to Thailand and was later found 4,000 miles away in Georgia.
Bella, who hails from Billingham in the UK, was reported missing by her family on May 13. They were shocked to discover that she had been detained in Georgia, accused of being in possession of 12kg (26lbs) of marijuana and 2kg (4.4lbs) of hashish.
The young woman is now facing charges related to the illegal purchase, possession, and importation of significant amounts of narcotics. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence ranging from 15 years to life.
On Monday (May 19), Bella was allowed to communicate with Mariam Kublashvili, a Georgian lawyer who has offered to represent Bella at no cost. Kublashvili has also participated in a dance competition television show in Georgia.
Speaking to The Sun, Kublashvili shared details about her discussion with Bella, noting that the teen appeared ‘sad but calm’.
The lawyer observed: “My initial impression was very positive – she is very open, very pleasant, and charming. She doesn’t fit the profile of a drug trafficker at all.”
Kublashvili conveyed her conviction that Bella had been ‘used and manipulated’, stating: “For anyone, like me, with experience in dealing with such cases, it would be quite obvious that she is a victim here.”
Reflecting on the situation, Kublashvili commented, “I have a 20-year-old child myself and can only imagine what her parents must be feeling.”
This meeting with Bella came after she disclosed in a court hearing that she is pregnant. Kublashvili emphasized that Bella needs ‘medical care’, which she allegedly ‘wasn’t getting’.
The lawyer reported that Bella requested a jumper and warmer clothing to stay warm in the jail, also expressing her dislike for the prison food. She noted, however, that Bella is getting along with her two female cellmates.
Kublashvili explained: “She asked me for tuna fish, which I thought was odd and might have been something to do with pregnancy cravings – but I found out later fish cannot be sent in.”
She further noted, “She told me no tests, checks, or medical examinations have been done. She said she asked for a doctor, but the doctor wasn’t speaking English and they couldn’t understand each other.”
Bella’s father has traveled to Georgia to be with his daughter and has expressed his commitment to stay ‘as long as it takes’ to help secure her release from jail.
Kublashvili mentioned that Bella now ‘expects her dad to visit’ and ‘would very much like to go home’.