Pastor Charged Over Drowning During Birmingham Baptism

A pastor from Erdington, Birmingham, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the drowning death of a man during a baptism ceremony.

Cheryl Bartley, 48, faces one count of gross negligence manslaughter. The charge relates to the death of Robert Smith, 61, of Brixton, London, who tragically drowned at an address on Slade Road, Erdington, on 8 October 2023.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charge, stating it pertains to Ms Bartley's role as a pastor during the event. She is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 14 May.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS's special crime division, emphasised the collaborative work with West Midlands Police during their investigation. He issued a reminder that criminal proceedings are active and the defendant is entitled to a fair trial.

Mr McHaffie urged the public and media to refrain from any reporting, commentary, or online sharing of information that could potentially prejudice these ongoing proceedings.