UK - Pastor charged after man drowns during baptism - Birmingham, 8 October 2023

[Clearsky]

https://people.com/pastor-charged-gross-negligence-manslaughter-man-drowned-baptism-11946192

Cheryl Bartley of Life Changing Ministries was charged in connection with the death of Robert Smith, a London resident, who drowned in a kiddie pool in the backyard of a private home in Birmingham, England on Oct. 8, 2023, The Daily Telegraph reported, citing the U.K. Crown Prosecution Service.

 

[Rikissa]

Article from 9 March 2026:

Cheryl Bartley, 48, was charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her role as a pastor during the baptism, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
Bartley, of Erdington, will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 14 May.

Birmingham pastor charged after man drowned during baptism

Robert Smith, 61, died from drowning at an address in Erdington in October 2023.

www.bbc.com

 

[Via Marple]

Article from 9 March 2026:

Birmingham pastor charged after man drowned during baptism

Robert Smith, 61, died from drowning at an address in Erdington in October 2023.

www.bbc.com

An investigator says

"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

So I will just comment generally, that some churchgoers in some circle in Australia say if one is not baptised, one is not a Christian. Apparently that gives them the entitlement to look down upon those who choose not to be baptised. So it is a big deal.

MOO