Murder accused 'choked partner before', court told

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 17:03 · Archive

Stephen Sexton is accused of murdering his partner Joanna Derkacz, 37, at their Hampshire home in December 2023.

Stephen Sexton, 39, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of murdering Joanna Derkacz, 37, at their home in Waterlooville, Hampshire on 28 December 2023. He faces charges of rape and coercive control, which he denies.

Ms Derkacz's sister, Arleta Derkacz, gave evidence to the court in a video-recorded police interview. She described finding her sister's body and said that Joanna had previously told her that Sexton had tried to choke her. When she arrived at the property, Ms Derkacz said the atmosphere inside felt "creepy" and that Sexton appeared scared and was "shaking". When she asked where her sister was, he told her she was out with friends and refused to let her go upstairs.

Ms Derkacz said she heard a voice from upstairs calling "Joanna, Joanna" before finding her sister in the bedroom. She then went downstairs and saw Sexton in the kitchen holding a knife. The trial continues.

How it is being reported

• Woman tells court that Waterlooville sister said her murder suspect ‘had choked her before’Sexton denies charges of murder, rape, and coercive or controlling behaviour.The News, Portsmouth · 23 Oct, 16:41
• Murder accused previously choked partner, victims sister tells courtA woman told a court that her sister had previously said her partner tried to choke her as Stephen Sexton remains on trial for murder.Southern Daily Echo · 23 Oct, 16:08

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

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem