Pastor charged after man drowned during baptism

Minister Faces Charges Following Baptism Tragedy

Cheryl Bartley, a 48-year-old pastor from Erdington, has been formally accused 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.

Baptism Ceremony Details

The ceremony, conducted by Life Changing Ministries, was part of a routine religious activity. According to the BBC, Smith had traveled to Birmingham specifically for the event, which he had attended regularly for four years. The service was live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page, though the broadcast was abruptly halted during the incident and the video was later deleted.

Criminal Proceedings Initiated

Bartley is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 May. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that she is charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter, relating to her responsibilities as a pastor during the ceremony. The CPS emphasized that the case is currently under active investigation, with close collaboration between the police and legal authorities.

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

The event has sparked discussions about safety protocols during religious rituals. The CPS’s statement underscores the importance of maintaining impartiality as the case progresses. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram for further updates.