John Anslow, 65, and his daughter Hayley-Marie Ferguson have been convicted in connection with the death of Chereiss Bailey, whose body was found in a canal in Great Bridge, West Midlands, in October 2025. West Midlands Police launched an investigation after receiving a tip-off.
Bailey, 36, was last seen on CCTV entering Anslow's home on September 27, 2025. Following her death inside the residence, Anslow enlisted his daughter's help to dispose of her body. Ferguson reportedly packed paving slabs and traveled to her father's home, claiming she was assisting with gardening. Later that night, she returned to help move and conceal Bailey's body.
CCTV footage and images from Ferguson's phone showed Bailey's body being transported from the house in Anslow's wheelchair, which had distinctive orange wheels. Anslow pushed the wheelchair, accompanied by Ferguson, towards Ryders Green Road, where they submerged the body in a canal known locally as 'eight locks.' Both then left the scene separately.
Police discovered blood-stained clothes in a wheelie bin at Ferguson's home during their investigation. Anslow was arrested after comments made by Ferguson while in custody. Bailey's body was recovered on October 7, 2025, found with washing line cord and attached to paving slabs.
During the investigation, authorities noted that Anslow, who presented himself as a vulnerable wheelchair user, was in fact a "violent predator." Ferguson also demonstrated a level of mobility that contradicted previous presentations.
Anslow was found guilty of murder and preventing a lawful burial at Birmingham Crown Court. Ferguson was convicted of assisting an offender and preventing a lawful burial.
Bailey's family described her as a "much-loved daughter, sister, mother, auntie, granddaughter and friend" with a "huge personality" and a "beautiful heart." They expressed their grief over the loss of her life and the impact on her young son. "Her little boy has been robbed of growing up with his mum beside him," the family stated.
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." She added, "It is difficult to comprehend the abhorrent actions of John Anslow and his daughter Hayley Ferguson." The family has been commended for their "incredible dignity and restraint" throughout the process.
Sentencing for Anslow and Ferguson will take place at a later date.