# Joanna Derkacz’s sister tells court she hoped to achieve her ambitions and start a family

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/woman-raped-and-murdered-by-narcissistic-engineer-dreamed-of-achieving-something-in-her-life-and-wanted-a-family-heartbroken-sister-tells-court/
- Published: 2026-10-27T12:04:24+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T12:12:41+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16242051/engineer-girlfriend-raped-murdered-court-sister.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Art, Culture, World

## Key points

- Joanna Derkacz’s sister described her hopes for a family and a fulfilling life.
- Stephen Sexton denies murder, rape and coercive or controlling behaviour.
- Prosecutors say Derkacz was killed at home in December 2023.

## Summary

Joanna Derkacz’s sister told Winchester Crown Court that Ms Derkacz hoped to build a family and achieve her ambitions. Stephen Sexton, her partner of three years, is on trial accused of murdering and raping her and subjecting her to coercive or controlling behaviour.

Ms Derkacz, 37, worked as a recruitment consultant and was found dead at the couple’s home in Waterlooville on 28 December 2023. Prosecutors allege Sexton strangled her after a year of controlling behaviour and contacted sex workers shortly afterwards; he denies all charges. Her sister said she had once regarded Sexton as family but now regretted trusting him.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.