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Tbilisi, Georgia – The legal battle for British teenager Bella May Culley, 18, facing a potential life sentence in Georgia for alleged drug smuggling, has taken a poignant turn as her family-appointed lawyer asserts she is "not far from childhood." This statement, made by Malkhaz Salakaia after his first meeting with Culley in Tbilisi Prison No. 5, underscores a key element of the defense strategy: highlighting her youth and perceived naivety in the face of grave charges.
Culley, from Billingham on Teesside, was arrested in Georgia after allegedly importing a large quantity of cannabis. Reports indicate she is accused of smuggling 30 pounds of marijuana, with police stating she had approximately 12kg of cannabis and 2kg of hashish in luggage found at Tbilisi Airport on May 13. If found guilty, she could face up to 20 years or life imprisonment under Georgia's strict drug laws.
The 18-year-old's ordeal began after she reportedly went missing in Thailand, only to surface in Georgia under arrest. Her family had launched an appeal for her whereabouts when she stopped updating her social media around May 5.
Malkhaz Salakaia, who met with Culley for two hours, stated that he had to explain to her where she was geographically, suggesting a lack of awareness or understanding on her part. When asked if he would describe Culley as an "adequate adult," Salakaia reportedly answered "no," emphasizing his impression that she was "not far from childhood." He also stated that Culley "hates" the prison food and "just wants to come home." Despite these observations, he confirmed that his client is ready to defend herself in court and has no complaints about the detention location.
This perspective on her age and maturity is crucial, as legal systems often consider the developmental stage of young adults in criminal proceedings. In the UK, for instance, while the age of criminal responsibility is 10, those between 10 and 17 are treated differently from adults, often through youth courts and specific secure centers for young people. While Culley is 18 and legally an adult, her lawyer's remarks aim to present her as someone who may have been vulnerable or manipulated due to her youth.
Adding to the complexities of the case, Culley has claimed in court that she is pregnant and has expressed concerns about not receiving adequate medical care. A celebrity lawyer, Mariam Kublashvili, who visited Culley earlier and offered free services (though is not representing her), also noted the pregnancy and her client's complaints about a lack of medical examinations.
Culley's father, Niel Culley, has flown to Georgia and was seen visiting the prison, marking what is believed to be their first meeting since her arrest. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed they are supporting Culley's family.
The case has drawn significant attention, with some suggesting that Culley may have been "exploited" or "used and manipulated" by others due to her youth and travels. As the pre-trial detention period of 55 days continues, during which the prosecution will investigate the source of the drugs and her intentions, the focus on Bella Culley's age and mental state will remain a central theme in her defense against the serious charges she faces.
Source@BBC