Kidnapper who hit lone woman with van convicted

An attacker who struck a woman with a van before strangling her during an attempted abduction has been convicted.

Safiya Anna Haverty, formerly known as Sean Haverty, drove into the woman on Micheldever Road, near Andover, Hampshire, on 2 March, before attacking her and dragging her towards the vehicle, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

The victim, who was alone and hit unexpectedly from behind, managed to escape and alert nearby members of the public.

Haverty, 28, was convicted of kidnapping, intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.

Haverty had admitted driving the vehicle involved in the incident and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in April, but denied the other offences.

Though the victim never saw her attacker's face, prosecutors were able to prove Haverty's identity through witness testimony, ANPR evidence, mobile phone data and forensic inquiries.

Natalie Cheesman, from the CPS, said it was a "chilling attack" on someone who had been a "complete stranger" to her attacker.

"We hope these convictions provide some reassurance to the victim that Haverty has been brought to justice," she said.

Haverty was convicted on 25 August following a trial at Winchester Crown Court and will be sentenced on 13 November.