British pastor charged with manslaughter after man drowns during his own ‘born again’ baptism

The drowning of 61-year-old Robert Smith during a livestreamed baptism in Birmingham has led to a criminal case against pastor Cheryl Bartley, who faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter. Smith, a long-time church member living with Parkinson’s disease, had travelled for the ceremony. Bartley is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 14 May as the case moves forward.

By TOI Trending Desk