Safiya Anna Haverty, 28, has been convicted of a "chilling" kidnap attempt involving a lone woman. Jurors at Winchester Crown Court found Haverty guilty 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. 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 Haverty drove to Hampshire, struck the victim with a van, dragged her towards the vehicle, and strangled her.
His Honour Judge Rufus Taylor informed the jury that Haverty had legally changed her name and is biologically male, presenting as a woman in court. Haverty, who is from Newquay in Cornwall, will be sentenced on November 13. If given an immediate custodial sentence, she will likely be held in a male prison, in accordance with government policy.
Natalie Cheesman of the CPS expressed hope that the convictions would provide reassurance to the victim, stating that prosecutors built a strong case with forensic, ANPR, mobile phone, and eyewitness evidence to ensure Haverty was brought to justice.