British 'drug mule' Bella Culley says she was 'tortured' into smuggling
Bella Culley, 19, broke down in tears at Tbilisi City Court,as she pleaded not guilty to charges of possession and trafficking illegal drugs.
The student nurse, from Billingham, County Durham, went missing in Thailand before she was arrested 3,7000 miles away at Tbilisi International Airport on May 10 for allegedly smuggling a large amount of illegal drugs in her suitcase.
Her lawyer, Mr Malkhaz Salakaia, said Bella had been threatened with a hot iron to force her into trafficking 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish.
Bella, who is 18 weeks pregnant, showed her scarred wrist to the court, telling the judge: 'I did not want to do this. I was forced to do this through torture.
'I just wanted to travel. I am a good person. I am a student at university. I am a clean person. I don't do drugs.'
Mr Salakia said the teenager was not aware of what was in her luggage and she had allegedly tried to approach a policeman for help but he was part of the criminal group too.
He said: 'She was instructed to fly to Georgia – she did not even know where Georgia was located geographically.'
He claimed his client was told she would be met by people in Tbilisi airport but she was instead intercepted by a customs officer. More Trending
Her father, aunt and grandfather were all in attendance at the pre-trial hearing. As she left in tears, her family told her: 'Try not to worry. Good girl.'
Bella has been held at a Georgian prison for 52 days and has been refused bail. Judge Lela Kalichenko remanded her in custody until the next court hearing on July 10. She faces a life sentence – at least 15 years – in the Georgian capital's infamous Prison No.5.
A 2006 Human Rights Watch report found the former Soviet prison was 'severely overcrowded', while the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment called conditions there 'an affront to a civilised society'.
A FCDO spokesperson told Metro: 'We are supporting a British woman who is detained in Georgia and are in contact with her family and the local authorities.'
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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North Wales Chronicle
21 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Supermarkets suspend supplies from pig farm after animal cruelty reports
Tesco and Asda said they had suspended supplies from Somerby Top Farm in Lincolnshire, which is run by British meat producer Cranswick. It comes after the Mail on Sunday reported that workers would routinely 'hit pigs with boards, paddles and their fists, deliberately targeting areas such as their snout and eyes'. The newspaper added that welfare checks often ignored 'visible injuries and suffering, with one inspection of 1,000 pigs lasting just 90 seconds', as well as 'multiple botched killings of lame piglets'. Covert filming at the farm, which houses thousands of pigs, was carried out over a 10-month period by animal rights group Animal Justice Project. It was reported that some of the 'most severe abuse' was inflicted on animals two weeks after the farm was audited by food chain assurance scheme Red Tractor. Red Tractor said Somerby Top Farm's certification had been suspended with immediate effect following the 'deeply distressing' footage. It added that it had referred the case to the Government's animal welfare regulator, the Animal and Plant Health Agency. A Tesco spokesperson said: 'We take animal welfare extremely seriously and expect all our suppliers to adhere to our high welfare standards. 'We were shocked by this footage, and we have immediately suspended the farm in question. 'Our specialist agriculture team is working with the supplier to carry out a full investigation.' Asda said it had 'immediately suspended supply' from the farm after the supermarket was made aware of the claims. In a statement, Red Tractor said: 'This footage is deeply distressing. Red Tractor is taking this clear breach of animal welfare standards extremely seriously. 'The farm's Red Tractor certification has been suspended with immediate effect and a full investigation is underway. 'Red Tractor is conducting a thorough review of both current and historical footage, compliance and staffing on the farm. The farm will remain unassured if Red Tractor is not satisfied our standards are met. 'It's important to note that this footage was taken between May 2024 and January 2025, with evidence and allegations only being presented to Red Tractor in August 2025. 'This delay is concerning and suggests that these activists have prioritised ideology over protecting animal welfare. 'Red Tractor provides a free anonymous whistle-blowing service and we actively encourage anyone with concerns to raise these so that we can investigate immediately.' A spokesperson for Cranswick said: 'The health and welfare of our pigs is our highest priority and we were horrified to see this unacceptable historic footage, filmed at Somerby Top farm. 'As with the North Moor Farm footage, released in May 2025, the content was recorded several months ago but has only very recently been shared with us. 'We find the treatment of the pigs in the footage distressing to watch and we apologise unreservedly for this lapse in our standards. It does not in any way reflect the operating practices at our farms today. 'Since May, we have been implementing major changes across all of our farming businesses to address the challenges raised within the footage. 'We have changed the management team at these farms and staff shown in the footage no longer work for the business. We have recruited five new full-time welfare officers. 'All of our farm colleagues have been retrained in livestock handling, with a strong focus on animal health and welfare. We are currently installing AI-enabled CCTV at all of our indoor farms to enable us to monitor the health of our pigs and the behaviour of our colleagues, in real time, to ensure our exacting standards are consistently met.' Cranswick's shares plummeted in May after UK supermarkets suspended supplies from another one of its farms that was linked to abuse against pigs. Covert footage appeared to show workers at Northmoor Farm in Lincolnshire abusing piglets. Workers were filmed holding piglets by their hind legs and slamming them to the ground, using a banned method of killing the animals known as 'piglet thumping'. Other footage showed the botched killing of a sow that left the animal screaming and writhing in pain. A sow was also shown being beaten with metal bars. The footage was filmed by Animal Justice Project and first reported by the Mail on Sunday newspaper. In an update on Northmoor Farm, Red Tractor said: 'Following the exposure of poor welfare practices in May, Red Tractor immediately suspended the farm's certificate. 'Following a full investigation, the farm's Red Tractor certificate was reinstated provided strict conditions are met. The farm is now subject to regular unannounced spot checks, was required to immediately retrain staff in animal welfare and must share regular regulatory reports with Red Tractor. 'The farm was also required to install CCTV, and that footage is regularly reviewed by independent welfare experts. 'These terms, together with independent ongoing scrutiny, have been fully complied with since the reinstatement. 'In addition, Red Tractor conducted an unannounced welfare spot check on Northmoor Farm on Wednesday 13th August 2025, which did not find any issues relating to Red Tractor standards.' A spokesperson for Cranswick said: 'Following the release of the North Moor Farm footage and as previously announced, we have commissioned a full review of our on-farm practices, which is being completed by an independent veterinarian professional. 'We will share the results of this investigation when it is complete.'
Leader Live
21 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Supermarkets suspend supplies from pig farm after animal cruelty reports
Tesco and Asda said they had suspended supplies from Somerby Top Farm in Lincolnshire, which is run by British meat producer Cranswick. It comes after the Mail on Sunday reported that workers would routinely 'hit pigs with boards, paddles and their fists, deliberately targeting areas such as their snout and eyes'. The newspaper added that welfare checks often ignored 'visible injuries and suffering, with one inspection of 1,000 pigs lasting just 90 seconds', as well as 'multiple botched killings of lame piglets'. Covert filming at the farm, which houses thousands of pigs, was carried out over a 10-month period by animal rights group Animal Justice Project. It was reported that some of the 'most severe abuse' was inflicted on animals two weeks after the farm was audited by food chain assurance scheme Red Tractor. Red Tractor said Somerby Top Farm's certification had been suspended with immediate effect following the 'deeply distressing' footage. It added that it had referred the case to the Government's animal welfare regulator, the Animal and Plant Health Agency. A Tesco spokesperson said: 'We take animal welfare extremely seriously and expect all our suppliers to adhere to our high welfare standards. 'We were shocked by this footage, and we have immediately suspended the farm in question. 'Our specialist agriculture team is working with the supplier to carry out a full investigation.' Asda said it had 'immediately suspended supply' from the farm after the supermarket was made aware of the claims. In a statement, Red Tractor said: 'This footage is deeply distressing. Red Tractor is taking this clear breach of animal welfare standards extremely seriously. 'The farm's Red Tractor certification has been suspended with immediate effect and a full investigation is underway. 'Red Tractor is conducting a thorough review of both current and historical footage, compliance and staffing on the farm. The farm will remain unassured if Red Tractor is not satisfied our standards are met. 'It's important to note that this footage was taken between May 2024 and January 2025, with evidence and allegations only being presented to Red Tractor in August 2025. 'This delay is concerning and suggests that these activists have prioritised ideology over protecting animal welfare. 'Red Tractor provides a free anonymous whistle-blowing service and we actively encourage anyone with concerns to raise these so that we can investigate immediately.' A spokesperson for Cranswick said: 'The health and welfare of our pigs is our highest priority and we were horrified to see this unacceptable historic footage, filmed at Somerby Top farm. 'As with the North Moor Farm footage, released in May 2025, the content was recorded several months ago but has only very recently been shared with us. 'We find the treatment of the pigs in the footage distressing to watch and we apologise unreservedly for this lapse in our standards. It does not in any way reflect the operating practices at our farms today. 'Since May, we have been implementing major changes across all of our farming businesses to address the challenges raised within the footage. 'We have changed the management team at these farms and staff shown in the footage no longer work for the business. We have recruited five new full-time welfare officers. 'All of our farm colleagues have been retrained in livestock handling, with a strong focus on animal health and welfare. We are currently installing AI-enabled CCTV at all of our indoor farms to enable us to monitor the health of our pigs and the behaviour of our colleagues, in real time, to ensure our exacting standards are consistently met.' Cranswick's shares plummeted in May after UK supermarkets suspended supplies from another one of its farms that was linked to abuse against pigs. Covert footage appeared to show workers at Northmoor Farm in Lincolnshire abusing piglets. Workers were filmed holding piglets by their hind legs and slamming them to the ground, using a banned method of killing the animals known as 'piglet thumping'. Other footage showed the botched killing of a sow that left the animal screaming and writhing in pain. A sow was also shown being beaten with metal bars. The footage was filmed by Animal Justice Project and first reported by the Mail on Sunday newspaper. In an update on Northmoor Farm, Red Tractor said: 'Following the exposure of poor welfare practices in May, Red Tractor immediately suspended the farm's certificate. 'Following a full investigation, the farm's Red Tractor certificate was reinstated provided strict conditions are met. The farm is now subject to regular unannounced spot checks, was required to immediately retrain staff in animal welfare and must share regular regulatory reports with Red Tractor. 'The farm was also required to install CCTV, and that footage is regularly reviewed by independent welfare experts. 'These terms, together with independent ongoing scrutiny, have been fully complied with since the reinstatement. 'In addition, Red Tractor conducted an unannounced welfare spot check on Northmoor Farm on Wednesday 13th August 2025, which did not find any issues relating to Red Tractor standards.' A spokesperson for Cranswick said: 'Following the release of the North Moor Farm footage and as previously announced, we have commissioned a full review of our on-farm practices, which is being completed by an independent veterinarian professional. 'We will share the results of this investigation when it is complete.'
South Wales Guardian
21 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Supermarkets suspend supplies from pig farm after animal cruelty reports
Tesco and Asda said they had suspended supplies from Somerby Top Farm in Lincolnshire, which is run by British meat producer Cranswick. It comes after the Mail on Sunday reported that workers would routinely 'hit pigs with boards, paddles and their fists, deliberately targeting areas such as their snout and eyes'. The newspaper added that welfare checks often ignored 'visible injuries and suffering, with one inspection of 1,000 pigs lasting just 90 seconds', as well as 'multiple botched killings of lame piglets'. Covert filming at the farm, which houses thousands of pigs, was carried out over a 10-month period by animal rights group Animal Justice Project. It was reported that some of the 'most severe abuse' was inflicted on animals two weeks after the farm was audited by food chain assurance scheme Red Tractor. Red Tractor said Somerby Top Farm's certification had been suspended with immediate effect following the 'deeply distressing' footage. It added that it had referred the case to the Government's animal welfare regulator, the Animal and Plant Health Agency. A Tesco spokesperson said: 'We take animal welfare extremely seriously and expect all our suppliers to adhere to our high welfare standards. 'We were shocked by this footage, and we have immediately suspended the farm in question. 'Our specialist agriculture team is working with the supplier to carry out a full investigation.' Asda said it had 'immediately suspended supply' from the farm after the supermarket was made aware of the claims. In a statement, Red Tractor said: 'This footage is deeply distressing. Red Tractor is taking this clear breach of animal welfare standards extremely seriously. 'The farm's Red Tractor certification has been suspended with immediate effect and a full investigation is underway. 'Red Tractor is conducting a thorough review of both current and historical footage, compliance and staffing on the farm. The farm will remain unassured if Red Tractor is not satisfied our standards are met. 'It's important to note that this footage was taken between May 2024 and January 2025, with evidence and allegations only being presented to Red Tractor in August 2025. 'This delay is concerning and suggests that these activists have prioritised ideology over protecting animal welfare. 'Red Tractor provides a free anonymous whistle-blowing service and we actively encourage anyone with concerns to raise these so that we can investigate immediately.' A spokesperson for Cranswick said: 'The health and welfare of our pigs is our highest priority and we were horrified to see this unacceptable historic footage, filmed at Somerby Top farm. 'As with the North Moor Farm footage, released in May 2025, the content was recorded several months ago but has only very recently been shared with us. 'We find the treatment of the pigs in the footage distressing to watch and we apologise unreservedly for this lapse in our standards. It does not in any way reflect the operating practices at our farms today. 'Since May, we have been implementing major changes across all of our farming businesses to address the challenges raised within the footage. 'We have changed the management team at these farms and staff shown in the footage no longer work for the business. We have recruited five new full-time welfare officers. 'All of our farm colleagues have been retrained in livestock handling, with a strong focus on animal health and welfare. We are currently installing AI-enabled CCTV at all of our indoor farms to enable us to monitor the health of our pigs and the behaviour of our colleagues, in real time, to ensure our exacting standards are consistently met.' Cranswick's shares plummeted in May after UK supermarkets suspended supplies from another one of its farms that was linked to abuse against pigs. Covert footage appeared to show workers at Northmoor Farm in Lincolnshire abusing piglets. Workers were filmed holding piglets by their hind legs and slamming them to the ground, using a banned method of killing the animals known as 'piglet thumping'. Other footage showed the botched killing of a sow that left the animal screaming and writhing in pain. A sow was also shown being beaten with metal bars. The footage was filmed by Animal Justice Project and first reported by the Mail on Sunday newspaper. In an update on Northmoor Farm, Red Tractor said: 'Following the exposure of poor welfare practices in May, Red Tractor immediately suspended the farm's certificate. 'Following a full investigation, the farm's Red Tractor certificate was reinstated provided strict conditions are met. The farm is now subject to regular unannounced spot checks, was required to immediately retrain staff in animal welfare and must share regular regulatory reports with Red Tractor. 'The farm was also required to install CCTV, and that footage is regularly reviewed by independent welfare experts. 'These terms, together with independent ongoing scrutiny, have been fully complied with since the reinstatement. 'In addition, Red Tractor conducted an unannounced welfare spot check on Northmoor Farm on Wednesday 13th August 2025, which did not find any issues relating to Red Tractor standards.' A spokesperson for Cranswick said: 'Following the release of the North Moor Farm footage and as previously announced, we have commissioned a full review of our on-farm practices, which is being completed by an independent veterinarian professional. 'We will share the results of this investigation when it is complete.'
