Pastor Faces Trial After Baptism Ceremony Turns Deadly

A pastor accused of manslaughter after a man drowned during a baptism ceremony could face trial next year.

Cheryl Bartley, 48, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith, who drowned during a baptism at a property on Slade Road in Erdington, Birmingham, England, on Oct. 8, 2023.

Smith was from Brixton in south London. He was reportedly a grandfather of seven and had worked as a barber.

Bartley appeared at Birmingham Crown Court in front of a packed public gallery, but she was not asked to enter a plea.

Judge Andrew Smith KC set a provisional trial date for June 14, 2027. If the case goes ahead, the trial is expected to last four to five weeks.

Bartley, who is from Erdington, remains on conditional bail. In court, she confirmed she understood the proceedings and thanked the judge before leaving the dock.

A group of Bartley’s supporters gathered outside the court before Friday morning’s hearing and held a banner.

Prosecutors have said Bartley was charged over her role as a pastor during the baptism ceremony.

The Crown Prosecution Service previously said the charge followed Smith’s death by drowning at the Erdington address.

The ceremony has been described in reports as a backyard baptism held in a small pool and livestreamed on Facebook. Some reports said Smith had Parkinson’s disease.

The case has drawn attention because of the unusual and tragic circumstances surrounding Smith’s death during what was meant to be a religious ceremony.