Man on trial for rape and murder of girlfriend in Hampshire

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

Stephen Sexton denies raping and murdering Joanna Derkacz at her Hampshire home in December 2023.

Stephen Sexton, 39, is standing trial at Winchester Crown Court for the rape and murder of Joanna Derkacz, 37, at her home in Waterlooville, Hampshire, in December 2023. He denies raping and murdering her, as well as behaving in a coercive or controlling manner.

Prosecutors told the jury that Sexton displayed jealous and controlling behaviour during what they described as a toxic and abusive relationship. The court heard he used a Tesco shopping bag to restrain Derkacz before the alleged murder. The relationship became increasingly violent and threatening. On one occasion Sexton tried to strangle Derkacz, though she managed to push him away. He broke her mobile and laptop in fits of anger after she came home 20 minutes late from seeing friends.

When police officers visited the property on 11 December to carry out a welfare check, Derkacz described her boyfriend as "very controlling" and "narcissistic", saying "he has this thing where he flips". The court heard Sexton had previous convictions for assaulting his ex-wife and damaging her phone. Prosecutors allege the murder occurred during the early hours of 28 December 2023.

How it is being reported

• Man restrained partner with bag before murder, jury toldStephen Sexton denies raping and murdering Joanna Derkacz at her Hampshire home in 2023.BBC Hampshire · 20 Oct, 18:19
• Bitter boyfriend raped and murdered girlfriend before turning knife on himself, court hearsStephen Sexton faces a retrial for murderThe News, Portsmouth · 20 Oct, 16:11

In this story: Stephen Sexton · Joanna Derkacz · Winchester Crown Court · Waterlooville · Hampshire

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