BIRMINGHAM, U.K. – A British pastor has been charged after a grandfather of seven died in a water baptism ceremony three years ago.
Cheryl Bartley, 48, was charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter on Wednesday (Apr. 8), after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)found enough evidence to hold her liable for the tragic incident.
Robert Smith, 61, reportedly traveled to Birmingham for a baptismal ceremony hosted by Life Changing Ministry on October 8, 2023. Pastor Bartley was allegedly in charge of the proceedings, which she held in a kiddie pool.
The details surrounding Smith’s demise remain unclear. It is certain, however, that at some point the grandfather, who had a history of Parkinson’s disease, needed medical assistance that was not rendered in time.
Cheryl Bartley also reportedly made insensitive comments about the grandfather’s death after his passing. The pastor allegedly told her parishioners that the late congregant was “dancing with Jesus” in a video shared to social media after his death.
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), told the press that his office worked closely with West Midlands Police, which carried out the investigation against Bartley. He cautioned the public against drawing conclusions about the matter until legal proceedings had concluded.
“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that she has the right to a fair trial,” McHaffie told the press. “It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Life Changing Ministry initially livestreamed the baptism ceremony to Facebook on October 8, 2023. The ministry reportedly stopped streaming during Robert Smith’s baptism and did not make the service available for playback on its social media page.
Cheryl Bartley is expected to appear in the Magistrate Court in Birmingham on May 14, 2026.