Preacher charged with manslaughter after grandad, 61, drowns during his baptism

Cheryl Reid Bartley had been arrested after the death at Life Changing Ministries

A preacher will appear in court after a man died during his baptism ceremony at her ministry.

Pastor Cheryl Bartley, 48, has been charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter after the death in her service.

Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton in south London, died from drowning at the service at the private address in Slade Road in 2023.

Mr Smith was taking part in the ceremony carried out by Life Changing Ministries in a small pool in the property’s garden.

The baptism was streamed live on the church’s Facebook page, but the stream was cut short and the video removed.

Grandfather of seven, Mr Smith had seven grandchildren had moved to the UK from Jamaica at least 25 years ago. He settled in Brixton where he worked as a barber.

His family said he had already been baptised when he was a teenager but wanted a second ceremony to become a ‘born-again believer’.

Pastor Cheryl Bartley, 48, will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Picture: PA)

Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Special Crime Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, 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.

‘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.’

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

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called about 1,40pm on Sunday to a medical emergency involving a man at a private address on Slade Road.

‘Staff administered advanced life support to him, but unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff, it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him,’ a spokesperson said.

He was confirmed dead at the scene.

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