Man Receives Life Sentence for Ex-Wife's Murder and Garden Burial in Cardiff
Alireza Askari, a 42-year-old man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years after admitting to the cold-blooded murder of his ex-wife, Paria Veisi, and burying her body in the garden of their former home in Penylan, Cardiff. The sentencing took place at Cardiff Crown Court, where Justice Stacey condemned the brutal crime that has devastated Veisi's family.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
Askari murdered Veisi, 37, in the conservatory of the property they previously shared on April 12 last year, shortly after she had separated from him and moved out earlier that month. Prosecutors revealed that he purchased a set of kitchen knives from a supermarket on the day of the attack, which were used as the suspected murder weapon. After the killing, Askari enlisted the help of his aunt, Maryam Delavary, 48, to cover up the crime.
Veisi's body was discovered buried in a makeshift grave in the rear garden, concealed under patio slabs, soil, and newly planted flowers. A friend reported her disappearance to South Wales Police, leading to a missing person investigation. Police found her with four stab wounds and injuries to her chest and neck.
Cover-Up Attempts and Additional Charges
Following the murder, Askari made efforts to destroy evidence, including buying bleach, compost, and plants from a supermarket. He also contacted Delavary in London, who traveled to Cardiff by taxi to assist in covering up the crime. During his arrest on April 15 while driving from Birmingham to Cardiff, police found canisters containing caustic soda in his vehicle, intended for destroying Veisi's remains.
Askari had previously pleaded guilty to murder and preventing the lawful burial of a body, with an additional charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm ordered to lie on file. Delavary pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.
Motivation and Judicial Remarks
Justice Stacey highlighted that Askari killed Veisi because she had left him and sought a divorce, describing his actions as hypocritical given he was simultaneously texting a girlfriend in Iran. In one message, Askari stated, "I'm planning for them to kill her in Iran." The judge emphasized the impact on Veisi's family, noting she was in the prime of her life and had confided in friends about her fear of Askari.
This case underscores the severe consequences of domestic violence and the lengths to which individuals may go to conceal their crimes, with the justice system delivering a stern response to such heinous acts.
