Safiya Anna Haverty, 28, formerly known as Sean Haverty, struck the victim with a van on Micheldever Road near Andover in Hampshire on 2 March, before dragging her towards the vehicle and strangling her.

The victim, walking alone, was hit from behind without warning. She managed to escape her attacker and run to safety, alerting members of the public nearby.

A jury at Winchester Crown Court has found Haverty guilty of kidnapping, intentional strangulation, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Haverty was also convicted of perverting the course of justice and had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. 

Haverty had admitted driving the vehicle that struck the victim. 

The victim never saw her attacker’s face, so prosecutors proved Haverty’s identity through witness testimony, ANPR evidence, mobile phone data and forensic enquiries. 

At the start of the trial, His Honour Judge Rufus Taylor advised the jury of Haverty’s name change and that Haverty was biologically male and presenting as a woman in court. 

Natalie Cheesman, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This was a chilling attack on a complete stranger.

“Haverty drove to Hampshire before striking a lone woman with a van, dragging her towards the vehicle and strangling her. 

“Working closely with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, CPS prosecutors built a strong case using forensic and ANPR evidence, mobile phone data and eyewitnesses to prove Haverty was responsible. 

“We hope these convictions provide some reassurance to the victim that Haverty has been brought to justice.”
 
Haverty will be sentenced on 13 November at Winchester Crown Court.