BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom — A pastor charged over the death of a man who drowned during a baptism ceremony could go on trial next year, a court has been told.
Cheryl Bartley, 48, of Erdington, Birmingham, is accused of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of Robert Smith, 61, from Brixton, south London.
Mr Smith drowned at a property on Slade Road in Erdington on October 8, 2023.
Bartley appeared before Birmingham Crown Court on Friday morning, where she was not asked to enter a plea.
The hearing took place before a packed public gallery.
Judge Andrew Smith KC set a provisional trial date of June 14, 2027. If the case proceeds, the trial is expected to last four to five weeks.
Bartley, who is on conditional bail, confirmed in court that she had understood the proceedings.
She thanked the judge before leaving the dock.
Before the hearing, a group of Bartley’s supporters gathered outside the court holding a banner.
