Pastor charged after man drowned during baptism

Pastor Charged Following Drowning Incident During Baptism

Cheryl Bartley, a pastor based in Erdington, has faced a charge of gross negligence manslaughter after a man died during a baptism ceremony in Birmingham. The incident occurred on 8 October 2023, when Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, drowned in a small pool located in the garden of the property where the event took place.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that Bartley will stand trial at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 May. The ceremony, conducted by Life Changing Ministries, was live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page, though the broadcast was interrupted during the event and the video was later deleted.

“Criminal proceedings against this defendant are currently underway, and she is entitled to a fair trial,” stated Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS’s special crime division. “It is crucial that no online commentary or shared information could influence the outcome of these cases.”

According to a Facebook post released at the time of Smith’s death, he had joined the church for four years and traveled to Birmingham specifically for the baptism. The event was part of a small-scale gathering, with participants submerged in the pool as part of the ritual.

The CPS highlighted its collaboration with West Midlands Police during the investigation. The case underscores concerns about safety protocols during religious ceremonies, particularly those involving water-based rituals. The court appearance marks the next phase in determining Bartley’s liability for the fatal accident.

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