Adam Sharp, representing Askari, said nothing could be said that could “undo or lessen the utter devastation” caused by Veisi’s death and asked that the court consider Askari’s “longstanding mental illness” when determining sentence.
When Sharp said there was “no clear rationale” for the killing, Mrs Justice Stacey reminded him that Veisi had left him less than two weeks previously and said “he would clearly rather kill her than have her leave him”.
Tom Crowther KC, acting for Delavary, said she had “deep regret and profound shame” for her part in events, but when she left London to come to Cardiff, “she had no conception of the horror she would find when she got there”.
Crowther said Askari had told her “if you tell anyone, you’ll be speaking next to her”.
Mrs Justice Stacey said “you were hand in glove with him” and you were “in it together and a willing participant”.
The judge called the evidence against both defendants “overwhelming”.
She said if the police had not acted so quickly there was a “real possibility Paria’s body could have been destroyed or desecrated” so that it could not be identified.
Addressing Askari, the judge said Paria “was in the prime of her life, her death has destroyed her family’s happiness, as you knew it would.
“You subjected Paria to abuse at home and (she) was fearful of you, Paria confided to her friends how scared she was of you.
“You killed your ex-wife because she wanted a divorce and had left you less than two weeks earlier.
“Your hypocrisy was staggering – at the same time you wanted (Paria) out of the way so you could take up with your girlfriend in Iran.”
After the case, Det Chief Insp Matt Powell of South Wales Police paid tribute to the family.
“They have been deprived of many happy years with Paria, and our thoughts continue to be [with] 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.”