A pastor, Cheryl Bartley, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following a baptism ceremony death in Birmingham.

The victim, Robert Smith, 61, drowned during the ceremony in Erdington in October 2023.

The Crown Prosecution Service said there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court after working with police investigators.

Bartley is scheduled to appear before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court in May, the Mirror has reported.

Authorities emphasized that legal proceedings are ongoing and warned against commentary that could affect her right to a fair trial.