Pastor Charged in Manslaughter After Baptism Drowning

Could a routine rite of passage end in a criminal charge? The pastor charged over a drowning at a baptism now faces a court date after prosecutors said there was enough evidence to proceed. Pastor Cheryl Bartley, 48, from Erdington, has been charged following the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith during a baptism ceremony in Birmingham in 2023, officials said. Mr Smith, from Brixton in south London, died at an address on Slade Road in Erdington on 8 October 2023.

Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division, made the prosecution case public and said investigators found a clear basis to move forward. He said prosecutors had “sufficient evidence to bring this case to court” after investigating the October 8 death. The statement outlined the decision to press criminal charges and framed the next step as a matter for the courts.

“We have decided to prosecute Cheryl Bartley, 48, with one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her role as a pastor during a baptism.” The charge relates to events at a baptism ceremony three years ago that ended with Mr Smith’s drowning. “This follows the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith from Brixton in south London, who died from drowning at an address in Slade Road, Erdington on 8 October 2023.”

The public is being asked to let the legal process run without interference and to avoid spreading material that could prejudice the case.

The case raises questions about safety measures at faith events and how responsibility is assigned when ceremonies involve physical risk. Some congregations may reassess training and supervision for water-based rites, while legal teams will likely examine whether church practices met accepted standards. Prosecutors noted it was in the public interest to bring the matter before a court, a reminder that criminal thresholds must balance accountability and community customs.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.” “We have worked closely with West Midlands Police as it has carried out its investigation. We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that she has the right to a fair trial.” “It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

For now, attention will focus on the upcoming hearing. Bartley will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday May 14, official statements said. As the pastor charged case moves forward, local faith communities and legal observers will be watching closely, and discussions about ceremony safety and legal responsibility are likely to intensify.