John Anslow and Hayley-Marie Ferguson Convicted After Canal Body Dumping

John Anslow, 68, and his daughter, Hayley-Marie Ferguson, 38, both of St Eleanor's Close, Netherton, have been convicted of preventing a lawful burial. A three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court concluded with the pair being found guilty following the discovery of Lee Holt's body in the Birmingham Canal near their home in October 2022.

Mr Holt, 36, from Willenhall, had died from a drug overdose. Anslow and Ferguson then wrapped his body in plastic sheeting and weighted it with car parts before depositing it in the canal. Surveillance footage captured Anslow struggling with a large, heavy object, which prosecutors identified as Mr Holt's body.

Police located Mr Holt's remains days after his death. Investigations led officers to Anslow and Ferguson, where a search of their property uncovered a drug production setup and evidence of drug use.

Sentencing for both Anslow and Ferguson has been adjourned until 28 June.