The nightmare began on an ordinary day in Georgia for Bella Culley, a 55-year-old British grandmother from Hartlepool. What started as a visit to her daughter's family abroad turned into a living hell when Georgian authorities pulled over her car and allegedly discovered 62 grams of heroin hidden within the vehicle.
Now facing a devastating 12-year prison sentence in a foreign country, Culley's family maintains her complete innocence, claiming she was set up in what they describe as a terrifying miscarriage of justice.
A Family's Desperate Fight for Justice
Speaking exclusively from the UK, Culley's daughter, Leila Wiggins, revealed the emotional turmoil their family has endured since the arrest. "We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken," Wiggins expressed, her voice filled with emotion. "My mother is the most kind, caring person who would never involve herself in anything like this."
The family's campaign to free Bella has gained momentum, with supporters arguing that crucial evidence proving her innocence was inexplicably ignored during the trial. They point to suspicious circumstances surrounding the discovery of the drugs and question the reliability of the prosecution's case.
The Hidden Dangers of Travel Abroad
This shocking case highlights the potential vulnerabilities British citizens face when navigating foreign legal systems. Culley's experience serves as a stark warning about the complexities and challenges that can arise when dealing with justice systems vastly different from Britain's.
The Foreign Office has confirmed they're providing assistance to a British national in Georgia, though specific details about Culley's case remain confidential due to privacy concerns.
A Grandmother's Resilience Behind Bars
Despite the grim circumstances, those close to Culley describe her as maintaining remarkable strength. "She's being incredibly brave," her daughter shared. "But no grandmother should have to endure this kind of ordeal, separated from her family and facing over a decade in prison for a crime she didn't commit."
As the legal battle continues, Culley's family and supporters remain determined to clear her name and bring her home to Britain, where her grandchildren await their grandmother's return.
