AN attacker from Newquay who struck a lone woman with a van, dragged her towards it and strangled her has been convicted.

Safiya Anna Haverty, aged 28, of Vyvan Drive, in Quintrell Downs, formerly known as Sean Haverty, admitted driving the vehicle that struck the victim on Micheldever Road near Andover in Hampshire on March, 2, 2026.

The victim, a woman in her 50s, was walking alone when she was hit from behind without warning. She managed to escape her attacker and run to safety before alerting members of the public nearby.

A jury at Winchester Crown Court 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.

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.

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 at Winchester Crown Court on November, 13, 2026. Haverty previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on April, 8, 2026 at Winchester Crown Court.