Marine Engineer Accused of Strangling Partner Before Alleged Murder

A marine engineer stands accused of raping and murdering his girlfriend, with the victim’s sister testifying that he had previously strangled her. Stephen Sexton, 38, is alleged to have killed Joanna Derkacz, 37, a recruitment consultant, after their relationship soured due to 12 months of alleged controlling and coercive behavior, a court heard.

Allegations of Controlling Behavior and Violence

Sexton, a father of one, is accused of raping Ms. Derkacz, strangling her to death, and then visiting two prostitutes while her body remained undiscovered in his flat in Waterlooville, Hampshire. Arleta Derkacz, Ms. Derkacz’s sister, informed police of her growing concerns for her sister’s welfare as the relationship deteriorated, specifically mentioning a past incident where Sexton had strangled her sister.

During a police video interview shown to the court, Arleta Derkacz recounted how her sister was initially enthusiastic about the relationship with Sexton, having previously experienced difficulties with other partners. She described him as confident, decent, and a business owner.

However, as the relationship progressed, Ms. Derkacz began to express concerns about Sexton’s excessive cannabis use and alcohol consumption after they moved in together. Arleta Derkacz’s suspicions were further raised when her sister indicated a desire to purchase a property independently.

Ms. Derkacz was discovered deceased at their shared residence in Waterlooville, Hampshire, on December 28, 2023. Sexton has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, rape, and two counts of coercive or controlling behavior.

Sister Recounts Jealousy and Past Strangulation Incident

Arleta Derkacz testified that when Ms. Derkacz went out with friends, Sexton would exhibit significant jealousy. “I know he didn’t go out with her too much so whenever she did (go out) he was not happy,” Arleta stated. She recalled an instance where Sexton confiscated and smashed her sister’s laptop, leading to Ms. Derkacz calling her the next day in distress.

The sister further described Ms. Derkacz as someone who felt she needed to look after Sexton, even as he faced job loss. “Jo was stronger than him and would comfort him. She was giving her all, she was providing,” Arleta said.

Arleta Derkacz also revealed that she was told about an incident where Sexton placed his hands around Joanna’s neck before she managed to push him away. “It was surprising when she told me he had strangled her,” she added.

Despite these incidents, Ms. Derkacz reportedly continued to try and salvage the relationship, with her sister stating, “She was giving him chances over and over again. [Joanna said] she would need to end her own life to end (the relationship).” According to her sister, Ms. Derkacz, despite her confident nature, became withdrawn and sought therapy to understand her decision-making patterns.

Final Days and Discovery of Body

The couple’s relationship had reportedly broken down, and prosecutors previously stated that Ms. Derkacz wished to end it. She had allowed Sexton to remain in their house temporarily while a litter of puppies was sold, with the understanding that he would leave afterward.

However, on December 27, Ms. Derkacz accused Sexton of searching her belongings and taking a book gifted to her by a male friend, which contained an inscription. Although Sexton denied the accusation, the book was later found by police in his wardrobe.

Ms. Derkacz reportedly told Sexton he needed to leave by midday the following day. Prosecutor Nicola Shannon KC informed the jury that Sexton allegedly returned home that night and strangled his partner, causing three fractures to her neck with his forearm or the crook of his elbow. He is then said to have left the residence to visit two prostitutes.

Arleta Derkacz discovered her sister’s body when she arrived at the house around 11:30 am the next morning, having become concerned when she could not reach her by phone.

Prosecution’s Case and Alleged Motive

Opening the case, Miss Shannon KC outlined that the relationship between Joanna and Stephen had lasted for three years, and the prosecution contended that it had become controlling and coercive in the year leading up to her death. She described the relationship as occasionally violent and threatening, stating that Stephen Sexton’s behavior had frightened Joanna by December 2023.

Miss Shannon KC reiterated that Joanna had told her sister about the strangulation attempt and that Sexton had taken her phone and broken her phone and laptop in fits of anger. The prosecution highlighted months of jealousy, paranoia, and attempts to control and isolate Ms. Derkacz. The court was told that the couple had experienced breakups earlier in the year and in the summer, with events taking a critical turn in December.

Prosecutors had previously suggested Sexton’s motive was straightforward: “when it became clear that she had finally decided to exclude him from her life, he decided that she could not be allowed to go on without him.”

Sexton continues to deny all charges. The trial is ongoing.