Engineer denies raping and murdering partner after abuse allegations emerge at trial
Prosecutors allege that engineer Stephen Sexton subjected his partner, Joanna Derkacz, to a year of domestic abuse before raping and murdering her at their home in Waterlooville, Hampshire. The claims were outlined at his trial, where friends and a neighbour described alleged efforts to control her and incidents of aggression. Sexton denies the charges.
Derkacz, 37, was found dead on 28 December 2023; prosecutors say she was strangled in the early hours. A friend told Winchester Crown Court that Derkacz once sought refuge after an argument and said Sexton had thrown water and a dog at her. A neighbour said Derkacz reported that he objected to her clothes, pushed her and let down her car tyre to stop her driving; she also described their relationship worsening when he used drugs.
In short
- Sexton denies rape and murder charges.
- Witnesses described alleged abuse and controlling behaviour.
- Derkacz was found dead in December 2023.
Explained simply
Domestic abuse can include patterns of controlling behaviour and intimidation, as well as physical or sexual violence. In England and Wales, rape and murder are separate criminal offences, and prosecutors must prove the charges in court.
The case concerns Joanna Derkacz, 37, and her partner, engineer Stephen Sexton. Friends and neighbours may give evidence about what they saw or what Derkacz told them, while the court considers that evidence alongside other material.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Engineer accused of the rape and murder of his girlfriend became angry about her choice of clothes and threw a dog at her, court hears”.