Man Posed as Wife in Texts After Killing Her, Then Hid Body Under Garden Flower Bed

**Cardiff Man Sentenced to Life for Murdering Estranged Wife**

A man from Cardiff has been sentenced to life imprisonment after stabbing his estranged wife to death, burying her in a makeshift grave, and then attempting to conceal the crime by sending messages from her phone. Alireza Askari, aged 42, received a minimum term of 26 years for the brutal murder of 37-year-old Paria Veisi.

The tragic events unfolded on April 12, 2025, when Veisi was reported missing. A week later, her remains were discovered buried in the garden of the couple’s shared home, where Askari was not residing at the time. The court heard that Askari stabbed Veisi four times in the neck using a kitchen knife, leaving her with fatal injuries that revealed the ferocity of the attack.

Prosecutors highlighted how Askari, assisted by his 48-year-old aunt Maryam Delavary, attempted to cover up the crime. The duo used patio slabs, soil, and newly planted flowers to disguise the burial site, which was located where a pond had once been. Delavary, who admitted to aiding in the disposal of Veisi’s body, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.

Following the murder, Askari took measures to mislead those around him. He sent text messages from Veisi’s phone to her boss and family, falsely claiming that she was leaving the UK and would be unreachable for one to two months. This deceit was part of a larger attempt to obfuscate the details surrounding her disappearance.

In what appeared to be an attempt to further distance himself from the crime, Askari changed his clothing after the stabbing and visited a local leisure centre. He was later seen purchasing cleaning supplies, including bleach and dusters, to eradicate any evidence of the murder from the scene. During the police investigation, he and Delavary gave various untruthful accounts about Veisi’s whereabouts, claiming she had gone to be with a boyfriend in Iran.

As the investigation progressed, Askari was arrested on suspicion of murder. At a subsequent hearing, he denied killing his wife and suggested that he was suffering from mental health issues, stating he was a “diagnosed schizophrenic” who was “hearing voices”. However, Judge Mrs Justice Stacey dismissed his mental health defence as a “cynical” attempt to evade responsibility for his actions.

During the sentencing, Justice Stacey condemned Askari’s premeditated actions, stating, “You murdered your wife in a pre-meditated plan hatched at least a month earlier.” She recounted how Veisi had no warning of the attack, describing the incident as a brutal betrayal of trust. The judge noted that Askari had lured his wife into the house, only to stab her in a violent act.

A victim impact statement was delivered by Veisi’s sister, Heliya, who expressed profound grief and despair over the loss. She emphasised the “irreversible suffering” inflicted on their family and recalled the last time she spoke to her sister, poignantly reflecting on how she had appreciated Veisi’s beauty, unaware it would be their final interaction.

The case has raised significant concern regarding the nature of domestic violence and its far-reaching implications on families. Experts and advocacy groups are calling for increased resources and support for those affected by domestic abuse, as they navigate the complex dynamics that often characterise such relationships.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Askari’s sentencing marks a critical step towards justice for Veisi and her family, as they face the long journey of healing following this unspeakable loss.