A man with Parkinson's disease drowned during a baptism ceremony after being submerged for four minutes, a court has heard. Robert Smith, 61, died during the Christian ritual held in the back garden of a private residence in Birmingham in October 2023.
Pastor Charged with Manslaughter
Pastor Cheryl Bartley, 48, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter. She appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the case was moved to a larger courtroom to accommodate 40 of her followers and family members. Bartley, dressed in a sky-blue suit, did not enter a plea.
Prosecutor Satvinder Ruck stated that the matter would be sent to the Crown Court for future hearings. He noted, 'The offence is a serious one. Mr Smith was 61 and suffering from Parkinson's. His physical disabilities, his tremors and stiffness were clear to see. He entered the water and remained submerged for four minutes.'
Defence Challenges Allegations
Sean Sullivan, representing Bartley, argued that she was a woman of previous good character who has lived in the UK for 30 years. He told the court: 'Each part of the alleged offence is challenged by the defence – namely that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. If there was such a duty then it is challenged that she failed in that duty by negligent act or omission and if there was a negligent act or omission then it is challenged that this caused the death or that it amounted to gross negligence.'
Bail Conditions Imposed
During discussions on bail conditions, District Judge David Wain imposed conditions preventing Bartley from conducting any baptisms and from leaving the UK. He told Bartley, 'These are very serious allegations. They can only be heard in the Crown Court.' She is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on June 11.
Details of the Incident
Mr Smith was participating in the ceremony conducted 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 during the event and the video later removed. Mr Smith had reportedly traveled to Birmingham to be baptised, having been a member of the church for four years. Originally from Jamaica, he had seven grandchildren and had lived in the UK for at least 25 years, settling in Brixton, south London, where he worked as a barber. He had been baptised as a teenager but sought a second ceremony to become a 'born-again believer'.
