Pastor charged after man drowns during baptism in Birmingham
Pastor charged after man drowns during baptism in Birmingham
A 61-year-old man died during a baptism at a Birmingham home; a pastor faces gross negligence manslaughter charges as investigations continue.
Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, travelled to Birmingham for a baptism that ended in tragedy on October 8, 2023, at a property on Slade Road in Erdington. He drowned during the ceremony, which was conducted in a small pool in the garden of the home.
A pastor identified as Cheryl Bartley, 48, of Erdington, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death. The charge relates to her role as pastor during the baptism. She will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 14.
The baptism reportedly was livestreamed on the church's Facebook page, though the live stream was cut during the event and later removed. Police and the Crown Prosecution Service said they worked closely during the investigation and that the proceedings are active, requiring fair trial rights for the defendant.
Prosecutors say the case highlights questions about safety in religious ceremonies and the responsibilities of organizers when ceremonies are shared with a wider audience.
