Key Points
- Alireza Askari, 42, from Penylan, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to murdering his estranged wife, Paria Veisi, 37, at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, 15 January 2026.
- Askari had previously pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful and decent burial of Ms Veisi’s body and had earlier admitted to manslaughter before changing his plea to guilty on the murder charge.
- Ms Veisi disappeared from Cathays, Cardiff, on 12 April 2025, after leaving her workplace in the Canton area; her body was discovered a week later on 19 April 2025 in the garden of a property on Foster Drive in Penylan, Cardiff.
- A post-mortem examination confirmed the provisional cause of death as stab wounds to the neck and upper chest.
- Askari faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for 13 February 2026 at Swansea Crown Court.
- During the hearing, Mrs Justice Stacey addressed Askari, stating: “Well done for pleading guilty, better late than never. It will be reflected to some extent in the sentencing exercise.”
- A further charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Askari was ordered to lie on file.
- Askari’s co-defendant, Maryam Delavary, 48, of Australia Road, White City Estate, west London, previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice in connection with the case.
- South Wales Police reported Ms Veisi missing after she left work on 12 April 2025; around 100 mourners gathered following the body discovery to pay tribute.
Cardiff, ITV News Wales (ITV News Wales) 15 January 2026 – Alireza Askari, 42, has admitted to stabbing his estranged wife Paria Veisi to death and concealing her body in the garden of his Penylan home, bringing a tragic case that began with her disappearance over nine months ago to a pivotal moment at Cardiff Crown Court.
What led to Paria Veisi’s disappearance?
Paria Veisi, 37, was last seen alive leaving her workplace in the Canton area of Cardiff on 12 April 2025. South Wales Police stated that she was reported missing shortly after, prompting a search that focused on her connections in Cathays and Penylan. As reported by ITV News Wales, Ms Veisi had disappeared from Cathays, Cardiff, and her body was found a week later in the garden in Penylan.
An inquest opening in May 2025 heard the provisional cause of death was stab wounds to the neck and upper chest, as detailed in coverage from ITV News Wales. Yahoo UK News confirmed that a post-mortem examination indicated stab wounds to both neck and chest. The discovery came after police investigations into her sudden vanishing act, which had gripped the local community.
Who is Alireza Askari and what charges did he face?
Alireza Askari, 42, of Foster Drive in Penylan, Cardiff, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to Ms Veisi’s murder. He had previously denied the murder charge but admitted to manslaughter and preventing a lawful burial of a body. ITV News Wales reported that Askari also pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body during the hearing.
A further charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm was ordered to lie on file, according to the ITV News Wales account of the proceedings. Earlier reports from May 2025 noted Askari, then listed as 41, was charged with murder, preventing burial, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He appeared in court alongside an interpreter and was remanded in custody.
What happened during the guilty plea hearing?
During the hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Askari entered his guilty plea to murder, as covered extensively by ITV News Wales. Addressing Askari directly, Mrs Justice Stacey remarked:
“Well done for pleading guilty, better late than never. It will be reflected to some extent in the sentencing exercise.”
Yahoo UK News echoed this, noting the judge’s comments and confirming Askari’s change of plea from a prior denial. The court ordered the assault charge to lie on file, marking a significant development after months of legal proceedings. Cardiff News Online on Facebook reported that Askari, 42, pleaded guilty to murder after previously denying it and admitting manslaughter.
Who is Maryam Delavary and what is her role?
Maryam Delavary, 48, of Australia Road, White City Estate, west London, is Askari’s co-defendant who previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. ITV News Wales detailed that she appeared via video link from Eastwood Park prison in earlier hearings. Yahoo UK News referred to her as Mary Delav, from White City, London, admitting to obstructing justice in connection with Ms Veisi’s murder.
In May 2025 coverage, ITV News Wales noted Delavary’s appearance alongside Askari in initial court proceedings related to the death. Her guilty plea predates Askari’s murder admission, linking her to efforts to interfere with the investigation.
When and where will sentencing take place?
Askari is due to be sentenced on 13 February 2026 at Swansea Crown Court, as stated by ITV News Wales following the plea hearing. He faces a mandatory life sentence, with Mrs Justice Stacey to determine the minimum term. Yahoo UK News confirmed the postponement of sentencing to February 13, with both defendants remaining in custody.
The change in venue from Cardiff to Swansea was specified in the ITV report, reflecting procedural norms for such cases. Both Askari and Delavary will learn their fates on that date, concluding this chapter of the investigation.
What is the background of the investigation?
South Wales Police launched a missing persons inquiry after Ms Veisi left work on 12 April 2025, as per their statement reported by ITV News Wales. Her body was discovered at an address in Penylan on Saturday, 19 April 2025, leading to Askari’s charging. Sky News noted the police found her body during the disappearance investigation.
An inquest in May 2025 provided initial details on the stab wounds, fuelling public interest. Wales Online reported a trial date had been set earlier, with Askari yet to enter pleas at that stage, and around 100 mourners gathering post-discovery. BBC News covered initial court appearances, describing Askari in a grey jumper at Cardiff Crown Court.
How has the community responded?
Following the body discovery, approximately 100 mourners gathered to remember Paria Veisi and pay tribute, according to Wales Online. The case has drawn significant local attention in Cardiff, particularly in Cathays and Penylan areas. Social media posts from Cardiff News Online highlighted the admission as a major update in Cardiff crime and justice news.
The tragedy underscores domestic violence concerns, with Ms Veisi described as estranged from Askari. Coverage across outlets like ITV and Yahoo has kept the public informed, emphasising the police’s role in resolving the disappearance swiftly.
What charges were initially filed?
Initially, Alireza Askari faced charges of murder, preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. ITV News Wales from May 2025 detailed these at his first court appearance. He entered no pleas initially and was remanded.
Maryam Delavary faced charges related to perverting justice from the outset. Progression to guilty pleas evolved over months, culminating in Thursday’s hearing.
