Birmingham Pastor Faces Manslaughter Charge Following Baptism Incident

A man drowned during a religious ceremony in Birmingham, leading to charges against the pastor involved. Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, lost his life after slipping into water at an address on Slade Road, Erdington, on 8 October 2023. Cheryl Bartley, 48, who served as the pastor during the event, has been accused of gross negligence manslaughter, as confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Court Date and Investigation Details

Bartley, based in Erdington, is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 May. The CPS highlighted its collaboration with West Midlands Police throughout the investigation. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS’s special crime division, emphasized the importance of impartiality during the legal process.

“Criminal proceedings against this defendant are ongoing, and she is entitled to a fair trial,” McHaffie stated. “It is crucial that no information shared online or elsewhere influences the outcome of these cases.”

The incident has sparked discussions about safety protocols during religious rituals. The CPS reiterated that all evidence will be reviewed carefully before determining the case’s progression.

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