Pastor charged after man drowned during baptism

Cheryl Bartley Faces Manslaughter Charge Following Baptism Incident

Cheryl Bartley, 48, of Erdington, has been formally accused of gross negligence manslaughter after a man drowned during a baptism ceremony in Birmingham. The incident occurred on 8 October 2023 at a property on Slade Road, where Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, tragically lost his life to drowning.

The event, organized by Life Changing Ministries, took place in a small garden pool and was broadcast live on the church’s Facebook page. However, the stream was interrupted during the ceremony, and the video was later taken down. According to a Facebook post at the time of Smith’s death, he had been a member of the church for four years and had traveled to Birmingham specifically for the baptism.

“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 Crown Prosecution Service’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.”

Bartley is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 May. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the charge, highlighting collaboration with West Midlands Police during the investigation. The case underscores the scrutiny surrounding religious rituals and safety protocols during such events.

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