BBC Information, North East and Cumbria
RustaviThe trial of a British teenager who’s being held in jail in Georgia on drug smuggling costs has been postponed instantly after it started.
Bella Culley, 19, from Billingham, Teesside, appeared at Tbilisi Metropolis Courtroom for a short listening to after beforehand denying costs of possession and trafficking a considerable amount of marijuana and the narcotic cannabis.
The trial began and the courtroom heard there have been points referring to proof that must be resolved.
Miss Culley might withstand 20 years in jail or life imprisonment if convicted. Her subsequent listening to is scheduled for twenty-four July.
The 19-year-old, who had the costs learn to her once more, remained silent all through.
Miss Culley’s dad, who was in courtroom, advised his daughter to “keep robust”.
Mr Malkhaz Salakaia, representing Miss Culley, stated there was a risk that if each side discover an settlement the case may very well be closed on 24 July.
‘Pressured by way of torture’
Miss Culley initially went lacking in Thailand earlier than being arrested at Tbilisi Worldwide Airport on 10 Might.
She had been detained for 61 days earlier than the listening to whereas the prosecution investigated the place the 12kg (26lbs) of marijuana and 2kg (4.4lbs) of cannabis, present in a journey bag, got here from, and whether or not she was planning on handing it over to another person.
She beforehand claimed she had been “compelled to do that by way of torture”.
“I simply wished to journey,” she stated. “I’m particular person. I’m a scholar at college. I’m a clear particular person. I do not do medicine.”
Rayhan Demytrie/BBCGeorgian Police stated officers had seized marijuana and the narcotic drug cannabis in a journey bag at Tbilisi Worldwide Airport.
It’s understood that Miss Culley arrived in Tbilisi on a flight from Sharjah, within the United Arab Emirates, on 10 Might.
The BBC has been advised the British Embassy has suggested {the teenager}’s household to not communicate to the press.
A Georgian police spokesperson stated the arrest was the results of a joint operation between a number of departments and, if she was discovered responsible, Miss Culley might withstand 20 years in jail or life imprisonment.
