Alireza Askari and Maryam Delavary (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
A man has been jailed for life after he stabbed his estranged wife to death and buried her body in his garden in Cardiff.
Alireza Askari, 42, of Cardiff, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday for the murder of 37-year-old Paria Veisi. His aunty, Maryam Delavary, 48, of White City Estate, west London, was jailed alongside him for perverting the course of justice.
Both had already pleaded guilty to the charges and appeared for a two-day sentencing hearing.
The murder
Paria Veisi was stabbed in the neck and chest by Askari, her estranged husband. Her body was later discovered buried in the garden of his home in Foster Drive, Penylan, Cardiff, by detectives investigating her disappearance.
The investigation
On 13 April 2025, officers carried out initial missing person enquiries at Askari’s address. Both he and Delavary were present at the property and denied any knowledge of Paria’s whereabouts.
Extensive police enquiries found no proof of life, no financial transactions and no movements of her black Mercedes GLS.
On 19 April 2025, Askari was charged with murder, preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Delavary was charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
Sentencing
Askari was jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years and 37 days. Delavary was jailed for five years and six months.
Police response
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell said: “May I first recognise the incredible bravery shown throughout this ordeal by Paria’s family.
“They have been deprived of many happy years with Paria and our thoughts continue to be them. 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.
“I would finally like to thank all the witnesses in this case, and the community for the support and understanding they gave throughout our investigation, especially in the early stages when so much focus was on the Penylan area of Cardiff where this horrific murder took place.”
Tribute from Paria’s family 💐
Paria Veisi’s 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.
“Paria was not just a victim, she was a beloved daughter, sister and friend, who was kind, full of life and deeply loved. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts and the pain of losing her is a wound that time will never fully heal.”
