A WOMEN whose disappearance sparked concern among her family was murdered and buried in her estranged husband’s garden, a court has heard.
Paria Veisi, 37, was found dead at an address in the Penylan area of Cardiff after being reported missing earlier this year. Her husband, Alireza Askari, has now pleaded guilty to her murder.
Ms Veisi, who was originally from Iran, was last seen on April 12 after leaving work at about 3pm. She had been driving a black Mercedes when she vanished, prompting worried relatives to alert the police.
An inquest opening was told that her body was later discovered buried in the garden of a property in Penylan. A post-mortem examination revealed she had suffered fatal stab wounds to her neck and upper chest.
Askari, 42, of Foster Drive, Penylan, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, where he admitted murdering his estranged wife. He had previously denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body. A charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm will be left to lie on file.
Askari’s aunt, Maryam Delavary, 48, of White City in London, had earlier pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice in connection with Ms Veisi’s death.
Addressing Askari, Mrs Justice Stacey said: “Well done for pleading guilty, Mr Askari — better late than never.”
The defendant will receive an automatic life sentence, with the minimum term to be set by the judge. Sentencing was adjourned until February 13, and both defendants were remanded in custody.
Following the discovery of Ms Veisi’s body, about 100 people gathered at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay to pay tribute to her life. The service was so well attended that mourners were asked to move outside to allow others to enter.
Speaking before the service, close friend Sara Rezaei described Ms Veisi as far more than a headline. “Paria wasn’t just someone in the news — she was a kind, caring and vibrant soul who brought joy to everyone around her,” she said. “She was selfless and always ready to help. We are devastated, heartbroken and still in shock.”
