News · 8 April 2026

Pastor charged in Birmingham drowning death

A person's death at a Birmingham baptism has led to a pastor being charged with manslaughter. Cheryl Bartley, 48, is accused of gross negligence manslaughter following Robert Smith's drowning at a ceremony in Erdington in 2023. Medics declared Mr Smith, 61, dead at the site after calls came on 8 October.

By BriefTea Editorial · 8 April 2026 at 19:33

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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