John Anslow, 65, and his daughter, Hayley-Marie Ferguson, have been convicted in connection with the death of Chereiss Bailey. The pair were found guilty of murder and preventing a lawful burial, and assisting an offender and prevention of a lawful burial, respectively.
Bailey's body was discovered in a canal in Great Bridge, West Midlands, on October 7, 2025, weighed down with washing line cord and attached to paving slabs. West Midlands Police launched an investigation on October 4 after a member of the public reported a possible death and disposal in the canal network.
Evidence indicates that Ms. Bailey was last seen alive on CCTV entering Anslow's home on September 27, 2025. Following a traumatic assault within the residence that led to her death, Anslow reportedly cancelled carer visits the next morning and contacted Ferguson for assistance.
Ferguson allegedly packed paving slabs and traveled to her father's home, claiming she was helping with gardening. She later attended an event before returning in the early hours of September 29 to help dispose of the body. CCTV footage and images from Ferguson's phone reportedly showed Ms. Bailey's body being wheeled from the house in Anslow's wheelchair, which had bright orange wheels. The pair then allegedly dumped the body in the canal.
Police described Anslow as having presented himself as a "vulnerable wheelchair user" while in custody, a presentation they stated was contrary to his true nature as a "violent predator." Ferguson also reportedly presented as having limited mobility, evidence which proved otherwise.
Ms. Bailey, who occasionally worked as a sex worker, was described by her family as a "much-loved daughter, sister, mother, auntie, granddaughter and friend" with a "huge personality, a beautiful heart and a way of making her presence known wherever she went." Her family highlighted the loss to her young son, stating he had been "robbed of growing up with his mum beside him."
Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell of the West Midlands Police Homicide Unit stated, "Chereiss was a vulnerable young woman with her whole life ahead of her... It is difficult to comprehend the abhorrent actions of John Anslow and his daughter Hayley Ferguson." She expressed hope that the verdict would provide comfort to Ms. Bailey's grieving family.
Anslow and Ferguson are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. This case occurred in September of last year, with the body recovered in October. The investigation began in early October following a tip-off.