A female pastor in United Kingdom has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a 61-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease drowned during a baptism ceremony held in a private home.
The accused, identified as 48-year-old Cheryl Bartley, appeared in court on Thursday over the incident involving victim Robert Smith.
According to prosecutors, the tragedy occurred on October 8, 2023, during a baptism session conducted in a children’s paddling pool at a private residence in Birmingham.
Investigators alleged Bartley was aware that Smith suffered from Parkinson’s disease and had mobility difficulties, but still encouraged him to remain fully submerged underwater during the ritual.
Prosecutors told the court the victim remained underwater for approximately four minutes before the situation turned fatal.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, with a post-mortem examination later confirming drowning as the cause of death.
The baptism ceremony was reportedly livestreamed on Facebook by the church before the broadcast was abruptly stopped following the incident.
The video was later deleted.
According to reports, Bartley subsequently uploaded another video claiming the victim’s “heart rate was normal” and describing the incident by saying he had “seen a glimpse of heaven” and was “dancing with Jesus”.
During the brief court hearing, Bartley only confirmed her name and address and did not enter a plea.
Judge David Wain later granted her bail under strict conditions.
As part of the bail terms, Bartley is prohibited from conducting any baptism ceremonies while legal proceedings are ongoing.
The case is expected to be transferred to Birmingham Crown Court on June 11 for further hearings.
