Man Jailed for 26 Years for Murder of Ex-Wife and Attempted Cover-Up

Alireza Askari, 42, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years for the murder of his ex-wife, Paria Veisi, 37, in Cardiff, Wales. The sentencing took place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Cardiff Crown Court, according to reports from LBC and The Guardian.

Details of the Crime

Askari admitted to killing Ms. Veisi at the property they previously shared in Penylan, Cardiff, in April of last year. The couple had moved to the UK from Iran in 2010 and were married but living separately at the time of the murder, The Guardian reported. Ms. Veisi had recently separated from Askari and moved out of the house prior to the incident.

Police discovered Ms. Veisi’s body buried in a “makeshift grave” in the rear garden, concealed by patio slabs, soil, and newly-planted flowers. She had suffered four stab wounds, to her chest and neck, according to The Guardian.

Attempted Cover-Up and Co-Conspirator

The prosecution presented evidence that Askari attempted to destroy evidence with the assistance of his aunt, Maryam Delavary, 48. Delavary was as well sentenced to five years and six months imprisonment for perverting the course of justice, as reported by South Wales Police. She assisted in concealing the crime by bringing bleach, compost, and plants to the property.

Evidence and Motive

Analysis of Askari’s phone revealed he had been texting a woman in Iran, believed to be his girlfriend, prior to the killing. In one message, he stated, “I’m planning for them to kill her in Iran,” The Guardian reported. On the day of the attack, Askari purchased a set of kitchen knives from a supermarket before returning home.

During the sentencing, Mrs. Justice Stacey stated that Askari killed Ms. Veisi because she wanted a divorce and had left him less than two weeks prior. She also noted his “hypocrisy” in wanting to pursue a relationship with his girlfriend in Iran while simultaneously eliminating Ms. Veisi.

Investigation and Arrest

Police were alerted after a friend of Ms. Veisi contacted them, fearing she was being held against her will by her ex-husband. Askari was arrested on April 15th while driving to Cardiff, with canisters containing caustic soda in his vehicle, which prosecutors believe were intended to destroy Ms. Veisi’s remains, according to The Guardian.