Pastor charged with manslaughter after man drowns during baptism ceremony

A priest has been charged with manslaughter by gross negligence after a man drowned during a christening in Birmingham.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charge was linked to the death of Robert Smith, 61, who drowned at an address in Erdington on October 8, 2023.

Mr Smith, from Brixton, south London, died at the address in Slade Road.

Cheryl Bartley, 48, was charged with manslaughter by gross negligence for her role as a priest during the baptism.

Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS’s Special Crime Section, said: “Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to take this case to court and that it is in the public interest for the criminal investigation to continue.

“We worked closely with West Midlands Police in carrying out the investigation.

“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are ongoing and he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there is no reporting, commenting or sharing of information online that could undermine these operations in any way.”

Bartley, of Erdington, will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, May 14, the CPS said.