A pastor in the United Kingdom (UK) has been charged with manslaughter after a 61-year-old grandfather, Robert Smith, drowned during a home baptism ceremony in Birmingham.

Cheryl Bartley, 48, was live-streaming the October 2023 ceremony involving Smith on the Facebook page of her Life Changing Ministries, according to reports.

The broadcast reportedly cut off abruptly while Smith, who had Parkinson’s disease, was being baptised in a children’s paddling pool inside the house.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but Smith was confirmed dead. A post-mortem examination later established that he died from drowning, according to West Midlands Police.

The pastor was said to have recorded a video after the incident, claiming she saw the deceased in heaven “dancing with Jesus.”

Bartley has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and is expected to appear before a Birmingham magistrates’ court on May 14.

Smith, a grandfather of seven, was originally from Jamaica and had lived in the United Kingdom for 25 years. He worked as a barber in Brixton, London.

Reports said he had previously been baptised but chose to undergo another ceremony as part of his renewed commitment as a born-again believer. (New York Post)

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