Safiya Anna Haverty, 28, previously known as Sean Haverty, was convicted this week by jurors at Winchester Crown Court of kidnapping, intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and perverting the course of justice. Haverty had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.
The incident occurred on March 2 on Micheldever Road near Andover. Haverty drove a van into the victim, then dragged her towards the vehicle and began strangling her. The victim managed to escape and alert passers-by.
Prosecutors established Haverty's identity through witness testimony, number plate evidence, mobile phone data, and forensic inquiries, as the victim did not see her attacker's face. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that their collaboration with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, utilizing forensic, ANPR, and eyewitness evidence, built a strong case.
His Honour Judge Rufus Taylor informed the jury that Haverty, who is from Newquay in Cornwall, is biologically male and presented as a woman in court, noting her name change. Haverty will be sentenced on November 13. In the event of an immediate custodial sentence, she will likely be sent to a male prison, in line with government policy.
Natalie Cheesman of the CPS commented on the attack, describing it as "chilling" and expressed hope that the convictions would provide reassurance to the victim that justice has been served.