Pastor charged with manslaughter after man drowns during his own baptism

A Christian pastor has been charged with manslaughter after a grandad tragically died in a back garden baptism.

Robert Smith, a 61-year-old grandad of seven, died in October 2023 at a West Midlands address during a baptism that was conducted by Life Changing Ministries Cheryl Bartley.

The event was being live-streamed on the church's Facebook page but it was quickly taken down after the horror unfolded, with the pastor now charged with gross negligence in connection to Mr Smith's death.

The Brixton-born man, who reportedly suffered from Parkinson's, was given 'advanced life support' at the scene after emergency crews responded to the situation but sadly he could not be saved, and was declared dead before he could be taken to hospital.

Bartley was conducting the baptism when he sadly drowned (Social Media)

Bartley is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 14 May after being charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her role as a pastor during the baptism.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the special crime division, 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. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Robert Smith had lived in the UK for over 25 years (Social Media)

Mr Smith worked as a barber and had already been baptised once as a teenager but reportedly wanted a second ceremony after becoming a 'born again believer'.

He reportedly travelled to Birmingham just to be baptised, according to a social media post at the time of his death, which also revealed that he had been a member of the church for four years.

Mr Smith, who was born in Jamaica but had lived in the UK for more than 25 years, was preparing to welcome his eighth grandchild at the time of his death.