Pastor in court over baptism drowning death

A pastor accused of gross negligence manslaughter following the drowning of a man at a baptism ceremony could face trial next year.

Cheryl Bartley, 48, is charged in connection with the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith from Brixton, south London, who drowned at a property on Slade Road in Erdington, Birmingham, on 8 October 2023.

In front of a packed public gallery at Birmingham Crown Court, Bartley was not asked to enter a plea.

Judge Andrew Smith KC set a provisional trial date of 14 June 2027, with the proceedings, if they went ahead, expected to last four to five weeks.

A group of Bartley's supporters held a banner outside the court ahead of Friday morning's hearing.

In court, Bartley, who is on conditional bail and from Erdington, confirmed that she had understood the proceedings and thanked the judge before leaving the dock.

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