A Birmingham pastor has appeared in court charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a man drowned during a baptism ceremony. Cheryl Bartley, 48, pastor of Life Changing Ministries, is accused of causing the death of Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, South London. Mr. Smith died at an address in Erdington on October 8, 2023.
Court Appearance
Bartley appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, May 14, where she entered no plea. Dressed in a light blue suit, she spoke only to confirm her name, age, and address. The court heard that Mr. Smith, who had Parkinson's disease, was submerged in water for approximately four minutes during the baptism.
Prosecution Details
Amreena Begum, prosecuting, stated: 'Mr Smith was suffering from Parkinson's disease and he clearly had physical disabilities which we see in terms of his difficulties to walk, his tremors, his stiffness. He very sadly died. That's the seriousness of the offence that this defendant is charged with.'
District Judge David Wain told Bartley: 'These matters are so serious they can only be heard at the crown court.' She was bailed with conditions including that she must live at her current address, not perform baptisms, and not leave the country. Bartley is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on June 11.
