Joanna Derkacz’s sister tells court she hoped to achieve her ambitions and start a family
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.
In short
- 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.
Explained simply
Joanna Derkacz was a 37-year-old recruitment consultant who lived in Waterlooville with her partner, Stephen Sexton. They had been together for three years, and her sister told the court that Derkacz hoped to achieve her ambitions and have a family.
Sexton is on trial accused of murdering and raping Derkacz and of coercive or controlling behaviour. He denies the charges, and the court will hear evidence before reaching a verdict.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Woman raped and murdered by ‘narcissistic’ engineer dreamed of ‘achieving something in her life’ and wanted a family, heartbroken sister tells court”.