Bella May Culley's dad says he'll stay in Georgia 'as long as it takes'
The father of suspected teenage British drug mule Bella May Culley has spoken out about his daughter's ordeal after her arrest and shock pregnancy announcement last week.
The 18-year-old was arrested in Tbilisi, Georgia, charged with illegally buying, possessing and importing a large quantity of drugs.
Police say they found sealed packages of hash and cannabis in her suitcase after she flew from Thailand to the former Soviet country.
Her father, Niel Culley, 49, has now said he's been unable to visit his child nearly a week after he flew to the country to be by her side.
Niel told the Mail: 'I can't say anything but I will be here for as long as it takes. I obviously have no experience in dealing with situations like this, and it's very difficult.'
Niel, who lives in Vietnam and works in oil, is with his sister Kerrie Culley in the Georgian capital in support of Bella.
Bella's lawyer said police are seeking to establish where the haul of drugs had come from and whether she was planning to hand them on to someone.
But the British teen faces a hellish prison sentence in one of the country's most notorious prisons if found guilty.
Bella had been travelling through Asia, stopping in the Philippines and Thailand – all while showing off her travels online.
Photos posted to her social media showed her enjoying typical tourist activities, including snorkelling and kayaking.
But others suggested the trip might have been turning dark.
In one photo, Bella held wads of cash tied up with a silk hairband, captioned: 'But nothing hurts when I'm with youuuuu'
Another showed Bella in a bikini, with a caption alluding to a Bonnie and Clyde-like scenario.
'Blonde or brunette? Erm, how about we get up to criminal activities side by side like Bonnie n' Clyde, making heavy figures and f***ing on balconies all over the world?
'I don't care if we on the run baby, long as I'm next to you,' she said. More Trending
After going off the radar for a bit, Bella resurfaced 4,000 miles away at Georgia's Tbilisi International Airport, where she was being held following the discovery of 30 lbs of cannabis.
If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment – 20 years in Georgia.
Bella would serve any sentence in the country's only women's jail, the notorious Prison No. 5.
The prison has been subject to controversy, with human rights groups criticising the treatment of prisoners housed there.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
PSNI use water cannon in Ballymena after petrol bombs thrown at officers
Riot police were deployed around the Clonavon Terrace area on Tuesday night as hundreds of people gathered in the Co Antrim town. PSNI vehicles formed barricades on some roads while riot police wearing armour and carrying shields also responded to the disorder. Some protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal. A car was set on fire near a car wash and tyre centre as part of a number of blazes started by protesters. Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Multiple house windows were smashed during the unrest and the clothing of at least one protester caught fire during the disorder. A vehicle on fire near Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA) Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines. Repeatedly using water cannons, PSNI – accompanied by dog units – moved protesters away from Clonavon Terace towards the junction of Bridge Street and North Street near a mural of King William. Some homes in the area displayed signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying 'British household' and another with 'Filipino lives here'. It comes after violent disorder on Monday, following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. A number of homes and police vehicles were damaged during the riotous behaviour. The scenes of violence in Ballymena, which left 15 police injured on Monday, were described as 'racist thuggery' by a senior officer. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force had a significant operation in place over the coming days. He said: 'We are actively working to identify those responsible for last night's racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice. 'Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.' A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during disorder in Ballymena on Monday night. The man, who is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday July 3, has also been charged with disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police. Police officers using a water cannon near Clonavon Terrace (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. The Prime Minister's official spokesman described the events which saw police and ethnic minorities targeted as 'very concerning'. In Clonavon Terrace, several houses had their windows smashed and two which suffered significant smoke damage remained sealed off on Tuesday. The violence flared following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town at the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. On Tuesday, the PSNI said it had made a third arrest in connection with the incident and reiterated a public appeal for information. Detective Inspector Olphert from the PSNI's public protection branch said: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, Monday June 9. 'He has been unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.' Mr Henderson said the attacks should be 'loudly condemned by all right-thinking people'. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaking to the media following a protest in Ballymena (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) 'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said at a press conference at Ballymena police station earlier on Tuesday. He said members of the minority ethnic community 'felt fear' and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's disorder to reflect long and hard about their actions, they will have consequences,' he said. Mr Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder. A damaged property in Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) As part of ongoing inquiries, police are also investigating a report of arson at the Tobar Park area of Cullybackey in the early hours of Tuesday. Shortly after 12.20am, it was reported that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a vehicle in the area which set it alight. Damage was caused to a nearby property, with a woman and two children inside. Downing Street said there could be no justification for the violence in Ballymena. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. 'Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. 'PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.'
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
PSNI use water cannon in Ballymena after petrol bombs thrown at officers
Riot police were deployed around the Clonavon Terrace area on Tuesday night as hundreds of people gathered in the Co Antrim town. PSNI vehicles formed barricades on some roads while riot police wearing armour and carrying shields also responded to the disorder. Some protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal. A car was set on fire near a car wash and tyre centre as part of a number of blazes started by protesters. Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Multiple house windows were smashed during the unrest and the clothing of at least one protester caught fire during the disorder. A vehicle on fire near Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA) Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines. Repeatedly using water cannons, PSNI – accompanied by dog units – moved protesters away from Clonavon Terace towards the junction of Bridge Street and North Street near a mural of King William. Some homes in the area displayed signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying 'British household' and another with 'Filipino lives here'. It comes after violent disorder on Monday, following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. A number of homes and police vehicles were damaged during the riotous behaviour. The scenes of violence in Ballymena, which left 15 police injured on Monday, were described as 'racist thuggery' by a senior officer. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force had a significant operation in place over the coming days. He said: 'We are actively working to identify those responsible for last night's racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice. 'Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.' A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during disorder in Ballymena on Monday night. The man, who is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday July 3, has also been charged with disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police. Police officers using a water cannon near Clonavon Terrace (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. The Prime Minister's official spokesman described the events which saw police and ethnic minorities targeted as 'very concerning'. In Clonavon Terrace, several houses had their windows smashed and two which suffered significant smoke damage remained sealed off on Tuesday. The violence flared following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town at the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. On Tuesday, the PSNI said it had made a third arrest in connection with the incident and reiterated a public appeal for information. Detective Inspector Olphert from the PSNI's public protection branch said: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, Monday June 9. 'He has been unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.' Mr Henderson said the attacks should be 'loudly condemned by all right-thinking people'. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaking to the media following a protest in Ballymena (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) 'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said at a press conference at Ballymena police station earlier on Tuesday. He said members of the minority ethnic community 'felt fear' and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's disorder to reflect long and hard about their actions, they will have consequences,' he said. Mr Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder. A damaged property in Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) As part of ongoing inquiries, police are also investigating a report of arson at the Tobar Park area of Cullybackey in the early hours of Tuesday. Shortly after 12.20am, it was reported that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a vehicle in the area which set it alight. Damage was caused to a nearby property, with a woman and two children inside. Downing Street said there could be no justification for the violence in Ballymena. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. 'Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. 'PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.'
Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Powys County Times
PSNI use water cannon in Ballymena after petrol bombs thrown at officers
Police used water cannon to disperse protesters engaged in serious disorder for a second night in Ballymena, as petrol bombs and masonry were thrown at officers. Riot police were deployed around the Clonavon Terrace area on Tuesday night as hundreds of people gathered in the Co Antrim town. PSNI vehicles formed barricades on some roads while riot police wearing armour and carrying shields also responded to the disorder. Some protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal. A car was set on fire near a car wash and tyre centre as part of a number of blazes started by protesters. Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Multiple house windows were smashed during the unrest and the clothing of at least one protester caught fire during the disorder. Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines. Repeatedly using water cannons, PSNI – accompanied by dog units – moved protesters away from Clonavon Terace towards the junction of Bridge Street and North Street near a mural of King William. Some homes in the area displayed signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying 'British household' and another with 'Filipino lives here'. It comes after violent disorder on Monday, following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. A number of homes and police vehicles were damaged during the riotous behaviour. The scenes of violence in Ballymena, which left 15 police injured on Monday, were described as 'racist thuggery' by a senior officer. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force had a significant operation in place over the coming days. He said: 'We are actively working to identify those responsible for last night's racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice. 'Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.' A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during disorder in Ballymena on Monday night. The man, who is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday July 3, has also been charged with disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police. Mr Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. The Prime Minister's official spokesman described the events which saw police and ethnic minorities targeted as 'very concerning'. In Clonavon Terrace, several houses had their windows smashed and two which suffered significant smoke damage remained sealed off on Tuesday. The violence flared following an earlier peaceful protest in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the town at the weekend. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. On Tuesday, the PSNI said it had made a third arrest in connection with the incident and reiterated a public appeal for information. Detective Inspector Olphert from the PSNI's public protection branch said: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, Monday June 9. 'He has been unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.' Mr Henderson said the attacks should be 'loudly condemned by all right-thinking people'. 'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said at a press conference at Ballymena police station earlier on Tuesday. He said members of the minority ethnic community 'felt fear' and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community. 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's disorder to reflect long and hard about their actions, they will have consequences,' he said. Mr Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder. As part of ongoing inquiries, police are also investigating a report of arson at the Tobar Park area of Cullybackey in the early hours of Tuesday. Shortly after 12.20am, it was reported that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a vehicle in the area which set it alight. Damage was caused to a nearby property, with a woman and two children inside. Downing Street said there could be no justification for the violence in Ballymena. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. 'Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities.
