Pastor charged after man drowned during baptism

Pastor charged after man drowned during baptism

A local pastor is now facing charges of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a man during a baptism ceremony in Birmingham. The incident occurred on 8 October 2023, when Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, drowned at an address on Slade Road, Erdington.

Cheryl Bartley, 48, who serves as a pastor during the event, has been formally accused of one count of gross negligence manslaughter. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charge, which relates to her role in overseeing the baptism. Bartley, who resides in Erdington, is scheduled to appear before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on May 14.

“We have collaborated closely with West Midlands Police throughout the investigation,” stated Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS’s special crime division. “It is essential that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

The CPS emphasized that criminal proceedings against Bartley are ongoing and that she retains the right to a fair trial. The case highlights the importance of accountability in religious settings, as the incident unfolded during a routine baptism. The exact circumstances leading to the drowning are under review, with authorities seeking to determine if procedural oversights played a role.

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