In a dramatic reversal that ends a terrifying overseas ordeal, pregnant British teenager Bella Culley is finally returning home tonight after Georgian prosecutors dropped all criminal charges against her.
The 19-year-old, who is seven months pregnant, had been facing up to 11 years in a Georgian prison after airport security allegedly discovered 29g of cannabis in her luggage at Tbilisi International Airport last week.
A Mother's Desperate Plea
Bella's mother, Leanne Culley, had launched a desperate international campaign to secure her daughter's release, describing the situation as "every parent's worst nightmare." Speaking exclusively to the Mail, she expressed overwhelming relief at the prosecution's decision.
"I can't believe it - I'm so relieved," the emotional mother stated. "We've been through hell this past week, not knowing if my daughter would give birth in a foreign prison."
The Airport Ordeal
The nightmare began when Bella, travelling alone, was stopped during routine security checks. Authorities claimed to have found the substance carefully concealed within her belongings.
Despite maintaining her innocence throughout the ordeal, the teenager spent days in legal limbo, facing the terrifying prospect of navigating a foreign justice system while heavily pregnant.
International Pressure Mounts
The case attracted significant attention from British diplomatic services and international media, with pressure mounting on Georgian authorities to show compassion given Bella's pregnancy and young age.
In a statement, Georgian prosecutors confirmed they had exercised "prosecutorial discretion" and decided not to pursue charges "in consideration of the defendant's personal circumstances."
Homeward Bound
Bella is now scheduled to board a flight back to the United Kingdom tonight, where she will be reunited with her relieved family and can finally receive proper prenatal care after the stressful ordeal.
Her mother added: "I just want to get her home, safe and sound, where she belongs. This has been the longest week of our lives."
