A pastor could stand trial next year, charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the drowning of a man during a baptism ceremony in Birmingham.
Cheryl Bartley, 48, was charged in connection with the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith, from Brixton, south London, who drowned at a property on Slade Road, Erdington, on October 8 2023.
Bartley, who appeared in the dock at Birmingham Crown Court wearing a light brown trouser suit, was not required to enter a plea before a packed public gallery on Friday.
A group of supporters gathered outside the court holding a banner ahead of the hearing.
Judge Andrew Smith KC confirmed the trial date as June 14 next year, with proceedings expected to last four to five weeks before a High Court judge, should the case proceed.
Bartley, who hails from Erdington and has been released on bail, is required to reside at an address in Summer Lane, Birmingham, between now and her next court appearance.
The defendant confirmed she understood the conditions and thanked the judge before leaving the dock.
