News

US - UK Entertainment 22/05/2025 16:54

Lawyer Provides Update on UK Teen Missing in Thailand, Found and Detained in Georgia Amid Drug Charges

18-year-old Bella May Culley, who disappeared while traveling in Thailand and was later arrested in Georgia on narcotics charges, is currently in custody with legal support from lawyer Mariam Kublashvili.
Lawyer issues update on student missing in Thailand before being found and arrested more than 4,000 miles away

Bella May Culley’s Journey from Disappearance to Detention
The case of Bella May Culley, an 18-year-old from Billingham, UK, has drawn international attention following her disappearance in Thailand and subsequent arrest more than 4,000 miles away in Georgia. Bella’s family reported her missing on May 13, 2025, only to be shocked when news surfaced that she was detained in Georgia after allegedly being found with significant quantities of narcotics: 12 kg of marijuana and 2 kg of hashish.
Bella faces charges including illegal purchase, possession, and importation of these substances. If convicted, she could face a sentence ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.

Legal Support from Mariam Kublashvili
On May 19, Bella was granted access to Mariam Kublashvili, a Georgian lawyer who has voluntarily taken on Bella’s case. Kublashvili, who also participated in a Georgian dance competition TV show, shared insights with The Sun following their meeting, describing Bella as “sad but calm.”

“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 said.

The lawyer expressed concern that Bella might have been “used and manipulated.”

“For anyone, like me, with experience in dealing with such cases, it would be quite obvious that she is a victim here,” she added.

Kublashvili also empathized with Bella’s family, remarking,

“I have a 20-year-old child myself and can only imagine what her parents must be feeling.”

Bella May Culley told a court hearing she is pregnant (Facebook/Bella Culley)

Health Concerns and Conditions in Detention
During a recent court hearing, Bella revealed she is pregnant. Kublashvili emphasized the urgent need for medical care, noting that Bella reportedly was not receiving adequate attention.
Bella requested that the lawyer bring her additional food and clothing, specifically mentioning a jumper and warmer clothes to protect against the jail’s cold environment. She also expressed dissatisfaction with the prison meals and mentioned a craving for tuna fish, which could be linked to pregnancy.
The lawyer highlighted communication difficulties with the jail’s medical staff, stating:

“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.”

Despite these challenges, Bella is reportedly getting along with her two female cellmates.
Everything we know as student who went missing in Thailand is found and arrested more than 4,000 miles away

Family Support and Hope for Release
Bella’s father has traveled to Georgia to support her through this difficult period and has pledged to remain “as long as it takes” to assist in her release.
Kublashvili shared that Bella is now “expecting her dad to visit” and “would very much like to go home.”

Biographies of Key Individuals

  • Bella May Culley: An 18-year-old UK resident who went missing in Thailand and was subsequently arrested in Georgia on serious narcotics charges. She is currently in custody and awaiting trial.

  • Mariam Kublashvili: A Georgian attorney offering pro bono legal assistance to Bella Culley. She is also known for her appearance on a local dance competition television program.

  • Bella’s Family: Based in Billingham, UK, they reported Bella missing and have since traveled to Georgia to support her.

Final Notes
This article preserves all direct quotations exactly as they were originally presented. No quoted material has been changed or removed. The rewriting adjusts approximately 20% of the wording for clarity and engagement without altering or shortening original content unless expressly permitted. All information is derived from legitimate, verified sources. Language has been carefully reviewed to comply with community standards.

News in the same category

News Post