Pastor charged with manslaughter after man drowns at baptism

Cheryl Bartley was charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter after Robert Smith died in 2023.

A 48-year-old pastor has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the drowning of a man at a baptism ceremony in Birmingham. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Crown Prosecution (CPS) said the charge was linked to the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith, who drowned at an address in Erdington on October 8, 2023.

Cheryl Bartley was charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her role as a pastor during the baptism, the CPS said. Mr Smith, from Brixton in south London, died at the address on Slade Road.

Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS’s Special Crime Division, said: “Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. We have worked closely with West Midlands Police as it has carried out its investigation.

“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that she has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Bartley, from Erdington, will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday May 14, the CPS added.

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