A Christian pastor is facing manslaughter charges following a tragic incident during a baptism ceremony in Erdington, West Midlands. The incident occurred on October 8, 2023, at a private address on Slade Road, where 61-year-old Robert Smith, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, drowned in a paddling pool.
According to authorities, Smith's death was a result of gross negligence. The pastor, Cheryl Bartley, 48, associated with Life Changing Ministries, is accused of causing his death through her actions during the baptism. As a result, she has been formally charged by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The Crown Prosecution Service, in collaboration with West Midlands Police, investigated the incident and determined that there was sufficient evidence to pursue the case. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, confirmed that the decision to charge Bartley was in the public interest.
Bartley is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on May 14 to face the charges. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 1:30pm on the day of the incident and attempted to resuscitate Smith, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
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