A 28-year-old from Newquay has been jailed for 10 years after deliberately driving a van into a woman in Andover before attempting to kidnap her in a terrifying attack earlier this year.
Safiya Anna Haverty, formerly known as Sean Bevann Haverty, of Vyvyan Drive, Newquay, appeared at Winchester Crown Court today (Friday 13 November), where a 10-year prison sentence was handed down, with a further four years on licence.
Haverty, who has legally changed their name and presents as female, was convicted of kidnap, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice following a six-day trial which concluded on 25 August.
Woman deliberately struck by van on Micheldever Road
The court heard that on 2 March, the victim, a woman in her 50s, was walking along Micheldever Road in Andover when she was struck from behind by a white van driven by Haverty.
The impact was so severe that the woman was thrown several feet onto the road.
Haverty then got out of the vehicle and began dragging the injured woman towards the back of the van before strangling her.
In a desperate attempt to survive, the victim went limp, waiting for an opportunity to escape.
When Haverty released their grip to open the rear door of the van, the woman seized her chance and ran towards a nearby hill.
Despite her injuries and the terrifying ordeal, she managed to flag down two cyclists who came to her assistance.
Haverty returned to the van and pursued the woman along the road before eventually turning around and driving away.
CCTV helped police identify attacker
Following the incident, investigating officers examined CCTV footage which captured the white van involved in the attack, including its registration number.
This crucial evidence enabled officers to identify Haverty, who was subsequently arrested in Cornwall the following day.
The investigation resulted in four convictions following the trial at Winchester Crown Court in August.
Victim describes lasting trauma and panic attacks
In a powerful Victim Personal Statement presented to the court, the woman described the devastating psychological impact of the attack and how it continues to affect her everyday life.
She said: “In the days following the attack, I found it extremely difficult to go out on my own. I felt constantly on edge and unsafe. Even now, I still wake up with panic attacks, and my sleep is frequently disrupted by flashbacks to what happened.
“I find it difficult to switch off, and the lack of proper sleep leaves me feeling exhausted. What happened doesn’t simply go away when I close my eyes; it is something I continue to relive.
“I still think about how serious the consequences could have been and how easily things could have ended very differently. The fact that someone was prepared to do that to me has left me with a fear that I never had before. It is something I find very difficult to put behind me, even though I managed to escape.”
Police praise victim’s courage
Detective Constable Holly Hunt-Watts, who investigated the case, described the attack as a truly horrendous incident and praised the victim’s bravery alongside the work of officers involved in bringing Haverty to justice.
She said: “This was a truly horrendous incident in which a woman was deliberately struck by a van and subjected to an attempted kidnap.
“Through her courage, outstanding teamwork and a swift investigation, a dangerous offender has been put behind bars.
“This result reflects the professionalism, determination and commitment shown by colleagues across the force, and the valuable support of our colleagues in Devon & Cornwall Police.”
Haverty was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 13 November to 10 years in prison, with a further four years on licence.
The sentencing brings the criminal proceedings to a conclusion, although the victim’s statement makes clear that the emotional consequences of the attack continue long after her escape.