Husband Sentenced to Life for Brutal Murder and Burial of Ex-Wife in Cardiff Garden
A husband who savagely stabbed his ex-wife to death and concealed her body in a makeshift grave beneath a bed of flowers purchased from B&Q has been handed a life sentence. Alireza Askari, aged 42, admitted to murdering Paria Veisi, 37, and preventing her lawful burial in a case that has shocked the community in Penylan, Cardiff.
Details of the Horrific Crime
Cardiff Crown Court heard that Askari stabbed Ms Veisi four times in the conservatory of their former shared home on April 12, 2025. The couple had recently separated, with Ms Veisi, who moved to the UK from Iran in 2010, working as a hairdresser and living independently. After the murder, Askari buried her remains in the garden under patio slabs, soil, and freshly planted flowers bought from the DIY retailer B&Q.
Prosecutor William Hughes KC stated that the attack occurred around 4.30 pm, with no defensive injuries found on Ms Veisi's body, indicating she was taken completely by surprise. Askari then engaged in a cover-up, sending a message from her phone to her employer claiming she had returned to Iran for medical reasons and moving her car away from her residence.
Investigation and Arrest
South Wales Police launched a missing persons investigation after a friend reported fears that Ms Veisi was being held against her will by Askari. He was arrested on April 15, 2025, while traveling from Birmingham to Cardiff, with canisters of caustic soda discovered in his vehicle. Prosecutors argued these chemicals were intended to destroy Ms Veisi's remains, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime.
Text message analysis revealed Askari had previously discussed plans to "kill her in Iran" with another woman, believed to be his girlfriend. This evidence underscored the calculated intent behind the murder.
Complicity and Sentencing
Askari's aunt, Maryam Delavary, 48, of White City Estate in west London, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. She traveled from London to Cardiff by taxi to assist in covering up the murder and was sentenced to five years and six months imprisonment. Delavary's barrister cited a history of domestic abuse, but Mrs Justice Stacey noted her repeated lies and perceived strength in police footage.
Askari pleaded guilty to murder and preventing a lawful burial, with an assault charge ordered to lie on file. His defense cited a "longstanding mental illness" and lack of clear motive, but the judge dismissed this, stating Askari would "clearly rather kill her than her leave him" after Ms Veisi moved out two weeks prior.
Impact on the Family
Ms Veisi's sister, Hiria, delivered a victim impact statement in court, describing how the "horrific and sudden loss" has shattered their family. She emphasized that the pain will endure for a lifetime and called for such violence to never happen again. The court acknowledged the profound grief and trauma inflicted by Askari's actions.
Askari was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years, later reduced to 25 years and 37 days due to time spent on remand. Upon any potential release, he will remain on licence for life. Delavary's sentence will be reduced by her remand time, with 40% to be served in custody.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the lengths to which perpetrators may go to conceal their crimes, leaving a community in mourning and a family forever changed.
