Story perspectives

Pastor Charged with Manslaughter in Baptism Drowning Case

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Crown Prosecution Service charged Pastor Cheryl Bartley, 48, with gross negligence manslaughter over Robert Smith's drowning during a Birmingham baptism on October 8, 2023.
Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, died at Slade Road.
CPS said there is sufficient evidence to proceed.
Bartley is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 14.
CPS head Malcolm McHaffie urged a fair trial and cautioned against reporting that could prejudice proceedings.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 case R v. Adomako established a legal precedent for gross negligence manslaughter in the UK, where the House of Lords ruled that a doctor's failure to monitor a patient resulted in death, underscoring the duty of care. This ruling parallels Pastor Cheryl Bartley's charge after Robert Smith's drowning during a baptism, highlighting the increasing legal scrutiny of negligence in religious contexts.

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Story summary

Crown Prosecution Service charged Pastor Cheryl Bartley, 48, with gross negligence manslaughter over Robert Smith's drowning during a Birmingham baptism on October 8, 2023.
Smith, 61, from Brixton, London, died at Slade Road.
CPS said there is sufficient evidence to proceed.
Bartley is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 14.
CPS head Malcolm McHaffie urged a fair trial and cautioned against reporting that could prejudice proceedings.

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