A 48-year-old woman has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following a tragic baptism ceremony in Birmingham.
Cheryl Bartley, acting as a pastor, faces a criminal charge over the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith from Brixton. Smith drowned during a baptism at a property on Slade Road, Erdington, on 8 October 2023.
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division, confirmed the prosecution’s decision. “We have decided to prosecute Cheryl Bartley with one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her role as a pastor during a baptism,” he said.
“Our prosecutors are confident there is enough evidence to bring this case to court, and it is in the public interest to move forward with criminal proceedings.”
He also added, “We remind everyone this case is ongoing, and Ms Bartley is entitled to a fair trial. It’s crucial that no reporting or online commentary prejudices these proceedings.”
Cheryl Bartley is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 14 May.
Originally published by UKNIP.
