Pastor charged after man drowned during baptism
Pastor accused of fatal oversight during religious ritual
Cheryl Bartley, 48, faces charges of causing a fatal accident through neglect after a man died during a baptism in Birmingham. The incident occurred on 8 October 2023 at a property on Slade Road, Erdington, where Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, drowned while participating in the ceremony. The event, organized by Life Changing Ministries, took place in a small garden pool and was broadcast live on the church’s Facebook page before being paused and later deleted.
Smith, who had joined the congregation four years prior, traveled to Birmingham for the ritual. The ceremony was part of a routine gathering, but the sudden loss of life has led to legal action. Bartley, based in Erdington, is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 May. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charge, emphasizing the role of the pastor during the ceremony.
“Our team has collaborated closely with West Midlands Police throughout the investigation,” stated Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS’s special crime division. “It is crucial that no online content could unfairly influence the case against the defendant, who is entitled to a fair trial.”
The baptism was initially streamed live, but the broadcast was interrupted during the event. This raised questions about the safety measures in place, as the pool’s conditions were not fully assessed beforehand. The CPS highlighted the seriousness of the charge, which alleges Bartley’s failure to ensure adequate precautions during the religious activity.
Smith’s family and community members expressed shock at the tragedy, noting his long-standing involvement with the church. The case underscores the importance of vigilance in religious practices, particularly those involving water. As the trial approaches, details about the incident continue to be scrutinized by investigators and the public alike.
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram for further updates.
