Man murdered woman and then dumped her in a canal with the help of his daughter – who weighed body down with paving slabs

A man murdered a woman and dumped her body in a canal with the help of his daughter.    

John Anslow and Hayley-Marie Ferguson used paving slabs to weigh down Chereiss Bailey’s body before she was ‘disposed’ of in Great Bridge, West Midlands, in September last year.

West Midlands Police launched an investigation following a tip-off and during a visit to Ferguson’s home they made the grisly discovery of blood-stained clothes in a wheelie bin.

Her father was arrested following comments made by Ferguson while in custody.

The body of 36-year-old Ms Bailey was found in the canal on October 7, 2025, where she was found with washing line cord and attached to paving slabs.

Police later described Anslow as presenting ‘himself as a vulnerable wheelchair user when he was in fact a violent predator’. 

Now, Anslow, 65, and Ferguson, have both been found guilty in connection with the death of Ms Bailey.  

Ms Bailey, who occasionally worked as a sex worker, was last seen alive on CCTV entering Anslow’s house on September 27 last year.

Once inside, she was subjected to a traumatic assault which led to her death.

The following morning Anslow cancelled visits from his community carers and called Ferguson for help.

She packed paving slabs and travelled by taxi to her father’s home, claiming she was helping him with gardening. 

Later that evening she attended a Peaky Blinders-themed event before returning to her father’s home in the early hours of September 29 to help dispose of the body.

Harrowing footage recovered from CCTV and images found on Ferguson’s phone showed Ms Bailey’s body being wheeled from the house in Anslow’s distinctive wheelchair with bright orange wheels.

Anslow pushed the wheelchair while Ferguson walked beside him towards Ryders Green Road.

The pair then dumped Chereiss’ body in the canal known locally as ‘eight locks’.

Afterwards they travelled home separately, with Anslow back in his wheelchair and Ferguson walking unaided.

West Midlands Police launched an investigation on October 4 after a member of the public reported that a woman had been killed and ‘disposed of’ in the canal network at Great Bridge.  

This led to the arrest of Ferguson and then her father.  

Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Anslow, of Stour Street, West Bromwich, was found guilty of murder and preventing a lawful burial.

Ferguson, of Heronville Road, West Bromwich, was found guilty of assisting an offender and prevention of a lawful burial.

Paying tribute, Ms Bailey’s devastated family said: ‘Chereiss was a much-loved daughter, sister, mother, auntie, granddaughter and friend, but those words alone could never explain what she meant to us.

‘She had a huge personality, a beautiful heart and a way of making her presence known wherever she went.

‘Life was never quiet when Chereiss was around, and we would give absolutely anything to have that noise back.’

The family added that the ‘hardest part’ was knowing how much life Ms Bailey had left to live. 

They continued: ‘There should have been more birthdays, more Christmases, more laughter, more family memories and so many ordinary days that we never imagined we would have to live without her.

‘Most heartbreaking of all, her little boy has been robbed of growing up with his mum beside him. We will make sure he grows up knowing exactly who she was, how much she adored him and how fiercely she was loved.

‘We want Chereiss remembered for Chereiss. For her smile, her humour, her kindness, her love for her family and all the little things that made her who she was.’

Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell, from West Midlands Police Homicide Unit, said: ‘Chereiss was a vulnerable young woman with her whole life ahead of her.

‘She was a mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, auntie and niece and was deeply loved by them all.

‘It is difficult to comprehend the abhorrent actions of John Anslow and his daughter Hayley Ferguson late September last year.

‘Anslow had presented himself as a vulnerable wheelchair user with extremely limited mobility. He was in fact a violent predator. His daughter Hayley had also presented as having limited mobility, evidence of which proves otherwise.

‘I hope today’s verdict provides some comfort to Chereiss’ family who have acted with incredible dignity and restraint throughout this difficult process, and who continue to grieve her loss.’

Anslow and Ferguson will be sentenced at a later date.