A man has appeared in court accused of the rape and murder of his girlfriend, Joanna Derkacz, in Hampshire in December 2023. Stephen Sexton, 38, of Cherrywood Gardens, Totton, faces charges of murder, rape, and controlling or coercive behaviour, all of which he denies.
During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, prosecutors detailed a pattern of alleged controlling behaviour by Sexton in the year leading up to Ms Derkacz's death. This reportedly included fitting a tracking device to her car, monitoring her emails, and damaging her phone and laptop. Nicola Shannon KC, prosecuting, described the relationship as 'toxic and abusive', characterised by Sexton's alleged jealousy, control, and coercive actions.
The court heard that Sexton's behaviour reportedly worsened after his welding business failed. He is said to have become increasingly jealous of Ms Derkacz's male friends and colleagues, with his actions allegedly exacerbated by alcohol consumption or drug use. A dispute in December 2023 was highlighted as a turning point, after Ms Derkacz reportedly asked Sexton to move out and the couple began sleeping in separate rooms.
Jurors were shown body-worn camera footage from a welfare check by two female officers, during which Ms Derkacz described Sexton as 'very controlling' and 'narcissistic'. She reportedly told officers she had not reported his abusive behaviour as she did not want to get him into trouble. While she denied being choked by him at that time, the prosecution stated that Ms Derkacz's sister later recalled a phone call in mid-December where Ms Derkacz claimed Sexton had put his hands around her neck, stopping her breathing, before she pushed him away.
Prosecutors allege Ms Derkacz was murdered in the early hours of 28 December 2023. It was heard that Sexton did not contact emergency services following her death, instead reportedly leaving the house twice to visit sex workers in Portsmouth. Ms Derkacz's body was discovered later that morning by her sister, Arleta, who had become concerned after not receiving a response to her calls. Post-mortem examinations reportedly revealed three broken bones in Ms Derkacz's neck and DNA evidence consistent with sexual assault.
The trial is anticipated to continue for eight weeks at Portsmouth Crown Court, as the jury considers the evidence presented by the prosecution and defence.