Woman 'pastor' charged after man in 60s dies in Birmingham baptism ceremony

Woman 'pastor' charged after man in 60s dies in Birmingham baptism ceremony

Cheryl Bartley, 48, faces one charge of gross negligence manslaughter over her role as a pastor during a baptism

A woman has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following a baptism ceremony in Birmingham.

Cheryl Bartley, 48, faces one charge of gross negligence manslaughter over her role as a pastor during a baptism, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

She is due to appear in court next month.

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It comes after Robert Smith, 61, died after a ‘medical emergency’ at an address in Slade Road in the Stockland Green area of Erdington on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene shortly after 1.30pm. The ambulance service sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer, and a critical care car from Midlands Air Ambulance to the ‘private address’.

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He was given ‘advanced life support’ but nothing could be done to save him.

West Midlands Police said in a statement: "A woman has been charged in connection over the death of a man in Erdington in October 2023.

"Robert Smith, 61, from London, died following an incident at an address on Slade Road on 8 October 2023.

"A post mortem revealed he died from drowning.

"Cheryl Bartley from Birmingham has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

"The 48-year-old was charged today (8 April) and released on bail to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ court on 14 May."

Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division at the CPS, said: “We have decided to prosecute Cheryl Bartley, 48, with one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her role as a pastor during a baptism.

“This follows the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith from Brixton in south London, who died from drowning at an address in Slade Road, Erdington on 8 October 2023.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

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“We have worked closely with West Midlands Police as it has carried out its 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.”

Ms Bartley will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, May 14.