Home / Crime and Justice / Pastor Faces Manslaughter Charge in Baptism Drowning
Pastor Faces Manslaughter Charge in Baptism Drowning
14 May
Summary
- A pastor faces gross negligence manslaughter charges.
- The drowning occurred during a baptism ceremony in October 2023.
- The victim had Parkinson's disease and difficulty walking.
A pastor has appeared in court in Birmingham concerning the death of a man during a baptism. Cheryl Bartley, 48, faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter related to her role as pastor during the ceremony.
The incident occurred on October 8, 2023, at a home in Erdington. Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, was being baptized and was submerged in a pool for a total of four minutes. He subsequently died.
During her appearance at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, Bartley did not enter a plea. The court was informed that the victim, Mr. Smith, suffered from Parkinson's disease, which caused him significant disabilities and walking difficulties.
Bartley, who is a Jamaican national, was granted bail. The conditions of her bail include remaining within the United Kingdom. She is scheduled to appear next at Birmingham Crown Court on June 11.
