The family of a British teenager is finally returning home after an 11-month legal nightmare in Cyprus, with their lawyer launching a blistering attack on the UK government for its perceived failure to intervene.
Bella Culley, 19, from Oxfordshire, became entangled in a complex legal case on the holiday island, a situation her family describes as a living hell. Their return marks the end of a gruelling ordeal that has left them financially and emotionally drained.
'A Shameful Abrogation of Responsibility'
In a scathing indictment, the family's legal representative, Michael Polak of Justice Abroad, did not mince words. He condemned the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for what he labelled a "shameful abrogation of its responsibility to assist British nationals abroad."
Polak detailed the immense struggle the Culley family faced, stating they were "forced to navigate a foreign legal system alone" despite repeatedly pleading for support from UK authorities. The case has raised serious questions about the level of consular assistance provided to citizens in distress overseas.
An 11-Month Ordeal in Pissouri
The trouble began in the picturesque coastal village of Pissouri, a popular spot for British expats and tourists. What should have been a simple family holiday or stay quickly spiralled into a protracted legal battle, trapping the Culleys for nearly a year.
The emotional and financial toll has been devastating. "The family has spent thousands of pounds and endured immense stress to resolve this situation," Polak explained, highlighting the stark reality many families face when legal issues arise in foreign countries.
Call for Government Action and Reform
This case is set to become a focal point in the ongoing debate about the UK's duty of care to its citizens abroad. The family's experience underscores a potentially systemic issue within consular services, prompting calls for a thorough review of how such complex legal cases are handled.
As Bella and her family begin their recovery, their story serves as a stark warning to other travellers and a powerful catalyst for demanding stronger, more effective government support for Britons facing legal crises overseas.
