THIS WEEK, at Cardiff Crown Court, Alireza Askari, 42, of Cardiff, was jailed for the murder of Paria Veisi. He appeared alongside his aunty, Maryam Delavary, 48, of White City Estate, west London, who was also jailed for perverting the course of justice following Paria’s murder.
Both appeared at Cardiff Crown Court for a two-day sentencing hearing, having already pleaded guilty to charges.
Paria Veisi, who was 37 at the time of her murder, was stabbed in the neck and chest by her estranged husband, Alireza Askari. Her body was discovered buried in his garden by detectives who were investigating her disappearance.
On April 13, 2025, initial missing person enquiries were conducted at Askari’s house in Foster Drive, Penylan, Cardiff. At the time, he was at home with co-accused Maryam Delavary and both denied any knowledge of Paria’s whereabouts.
Extensive police enquiries confirmed no proof of life; no financial transactions and no movements of her black Mercedes GLS.
On April 19, 2025, Alireza Askari was charged with murder, preventing lawful and decent burial of a dead body and assaulting a person occasioning them actual bodily harm. Maryan Delavary was charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body and conspiring to pervert the course of justice on the same day.
Alireza Askari was jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years and 37 days, and Maryan Delavary was jailed for five years and six months.
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.”
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 mother, 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.”
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