Man jailed for life for murdering wife and burying body
A jealous husband who murdered his estranged wife and buried her body in a Cardiff garden is jailed for life after a calculated cover-up involving fake texts and family help.
A jealous husband who murdered his estranged wife and buried her body in a Cardiff garden is jailed for life after a calculated cover-up involving fake texts and family help.
A man who murdered his estranged wife and buried her body in the garden of their Cardiff home has been sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting the killing at Cardiff Crown Court.
Alireza Askari, 42, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years and 37 days for the murder of 37-year-old Paria Veisi. His aunt, Maryam Delavary, 48, of the White City Estate in west London, was sentenced to five years and six months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice following the killing.
The two defendants appeared before Mrs Justice Stacey for a two-day sentencing hearing after previously entering guilty pleas to the offences.
The court heard that Veisi died after being stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest by Askari in April 2025 after their relationship had broken down. Her body was later discovered buried beneath soil, patio slabs and newly planted flowers in the garden of the couple’s former home in Foster Drive, Penylan, Cardiff.
Sentencing Askari, Mrs Justice Stacey said the victim had been attempting to rebuild her life following the breakdown of the marriage. The judge told the defendant that in April 2025 Veisi had been “just starting a new life free of you” and had recently moved into her own flat shortly before she was killed.
The court heard that Veisi had been stabbed four times during the attack. After killing her, Askari concealed her body in the garden and attempted to mislead those searching for her by sending messages from her mobile phone suggesting she had travelled abroad.
Evidence presented to the court established that messages were sent to the hair salon where Veisi worked stating that she had returned to Iran. Askari also moved the victim’s Mercedes vehicle in an attempt to create the impression she remained alive.
Concern about Veisi’s safety was raised by a friend who reported her missing and expressed fears that she may have been being held against her will by her estranged husband.
South Wales Police officers carried out initial missing person enquiries at Askari’s home on 13 April 2025. At the time both Askari and Delavary were present at the property and denied any knowledge of Veisi’s whereabouts.
Investigators subsequently established there had been no financial transactions or other activity indicating proof of life following her disappearance.
Askari was arrested on 15 April 2025 while driving back to Cardiff from Birmingham. Officers searching his vehicle located canisters containing caustic soda. Prosecutors told the court the chemicals were intended to be used in the destruction of Veisi’s remains.
Detectives later searched the garden of the Penylan property, where they discovered the victim’s body buried beneath the flower bed.
Askari was formally charged on 19 April 2025 with murder, preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Delavary was charged the same day with preventing a lawful and decent burial and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
The prosecution case established that Delavary had travelled from London to Cardiff in a taxi after the killing to assist her nephew in concealing the crime and misleading investigators.
Both defendants subsequently entered guilty pleas prior to the sentencing hearing.
Following the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell of South Wales Police said the investigation had involved extensive enquiries after Veisi was reported missing.
He said: “It has become clear throughout this investigation that Paria was a much-loved lady, popular with all those who knew her, including those who had their hair cut by her. She will be sorely missed by everyone.
“Now Alireza Askari and Maryam Delavary will spend a long time in prison for their crimes. Whilst Paria’s family and friends can never get her back, I hope they take some comfort from knowing that justice has been done.”
A statement issued on behalf of Veisi’s family was read following the sentencing.
Her sister, Heliya Veysi, said: “Today’s verdict will never bring Paria back to us, nor can it heal the deep and lasting pain of her loss. However, it is an important step toward justice and accountability.
“Our family sincerely thanks South Wales Police, the judicial system and all those who, with dedication, responsibility and persistent effort, played a role in ensuring that justice was served.”
Askari will serve the minimum term set by the court before becoming eligible to apply for parole. Delavary will serve a custodial sentence for her role in assisting the concealment of the killing and misleading investigators.
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