Pastor Faces Charges Following Baptism Drowning
A pastor has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a man drowned during a baptism ceremony in Birmingham.
Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, died from drowning at an address on Slade Road, Erdington, on 8 October 2023.
Cheryl Bartley, 48, was charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her role as a pastor during the baptism, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated.
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Bartley, of Erdington, is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 14 May.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS's special crime division, said they had collaborated closely with West Midlands Police during the 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."
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