Bella Culley, a 19-year-old from Billingham in Teeside, has given birth to a son just weeks after her release from a Georgian prison where she faced severe conditions. Her baby boy arrived on November 24, 2025, exactly 20 days after she returned to London’s Luton Airport following a harrowing experience abroad.
Culley gained attention when she shared videos on TikTok, showcasing her new role as a mother. In one clip, she affectionately cradled her “little 5lbs baba,” while in another, she expressed gratitude for her newfound responsibilities, stating, “I may have my hands full for a 19-year-old girl but I’m so thankful every day that they’re not empty.”
Culley’s journey began on May 10, when she was arrested at Tbilisi Airport for attempting to smuggle 12 kg of marijuana and 2 kg of hashish into Georgia. After being found guilty, she faced a potential sentence of up to 15 years in one of the country’s notoriously harsh prisons. Her family was forced to borrow money to pay a fine of £137,000 as part of a plea deal that ultimately secured her release.
Initially sentenced to just under six months in prison, Culley’s time served was taken into account during her trial. Prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili revealed that authorities considered her circumstances, particularly her pregnancy, which contributed to the decision to release her early. The emotional moment unfolded when she and her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, broke down in tears upon hearing the verdict.
In a statement after her release, Bella expressed her surprise and joy, stating, “I didn’t expect this at all. This is a huge surprise.” Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, confirmed that Bella would receive her passport and be allowed to leave Georgia, emphasizing that her case had garnered significant attention.
While the court proceedings offered a glimmer of hope, reports from her time in custody painted a stark picture. Conditions at the No 5 Women’s Penitentiary near Tbilisi were described as grim, with Bella reportedly forced to boil pasta in a kettle and use a hole in the ground as a toilet.
During her time in Georgia, Bella claimed she was coerced into drug trafficking by a gang, which subjected her to severe intimidation, including branding her with an iron and forcing her to watch execution videos. The British Embassy intervened on her behalf, urging leniency due to her pregnancy and the potential for her to give birth behind bars.
Following her return to the UK, Bella’s journey took a positive turn as she adjusted to life as a mother. With the support of her family, she is now focused on her new role, embracing her son with joy and hope for the future.
