Woman Pastor Faces Manslaughter Charge Following Baptism Tragedy in Birmingham
A woman has been formally charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with a fatal incident during a baptism ceremony in Birmingham. Cheryl Bartley, aged 48, is accused in her capacity as a pastor during the religious event, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Details of the Fatal Incident
The charges stem from an event that occurred on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at a private address on Slade Road in the Stockland Green area of Erdington. A man in his 60s, identified as 61-year-old Robert Smith from Brixton in south London, suffered a medical emergency and subsequently died from drowning during the baptism.
Emergency services were alerted to the scene shortly after 1:30 pm. The ambulance service dispatched two ambulances, a paramedic officer, and a critical care car from Midlands Air Ambulance to respond to the urgent situation.
Despite receiving advanced life support at the location, medical personnel were unable to save the man's life.
Legal Proceedings and Official Statements
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division at the CPS, confirmed the decision to prosecute Bartley. "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," McHaffie stated.
He further explained: "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. 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."
The CPS emphasized their close collaboration with West Midlands Police throughout the investigation. McHaffie also issued a reminder about the active nature of the criminal proceedings: "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."
Upcoming Court Appearance
Cheryl Bartley is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, May 14, where she will face the single charge of gross negligence manslaughter. The case represents a serious legal development following the tragic events of last autumn in the Birmingham community.
