Stephen Sexton, a 39-year-old engineer from Totton, is currently standing trial at Winchester Crown Court for the alelged murder, rape, and coercive control of 37-year-old Joanna Derkacz. The prosecuton alleges that the violence at their Waterlooville, Hampshire, home culminated on December 28, 2023, after Ms. Derkacz attempted to end their relationship.
A pattern of violence leading up to December 28
The prosecution, led by Nicola Shannon KC, argues that Sexton's behavior toward Ms. Derkacz had become increasingly violent and controlling for more than a year prior to her death. According to the report, a significant escalation in this behavior occurred on December 10, when Sexton allegedly broke Ms. Derkacz's laptop in a fit of anger because she returned home 20 minutes late from an evening out with friends.
This incident served as a precursor to the ultimate crime,as the Crown claims Sexton's behavior shifted from psychological manipulation to physical violence once he realized Ms. Derkacz was determined to remove him from her life. The prosecution contends that the relationship took a "critical and decisive turn" during this period of heightened aggression.
The Dec 11 welfare visit and the 'narcissistic' label
Police officers conducted a welfare visit to the Waterlooville residence on December 11, following concerns regarding the couple's domestic situation. During this visit, Ms. Derkacz reportedly described Sexton to officers as "very controlling" and "narcissistic," specifically noting that he did not like her going out with others.
As reported by the source, Ms. Derkacz also expressed fear that Sexton would use their pets as a tool for manipulation, specifically threatening to take her puppies away. While the police responded to the welfare concerns, the prosecution suggests that the true depth of the danger remained unaddressed by authorities at that time.
Why a litter of puppies delayed Ms. Derkacz's exit
Despite her intention to end the relationship, Ms. Derkacz reportedly agreed to let Sexton remain in the shared home until a litter of puppies from their dogs had been sold. This decision highlights the complex and often heartbreaking circumstances that can prevent victims of domestic abuse from escaping dangerous environments.
Nicola Shannon KC noted that Ms. Derkacz's "optimism and compassion" may have ultimately cost her her life, as she attempted to manage a peaceful transition while still living with her alleged abuser. This delay provided the window of opportunity for the fatal encounter that occurred in late December.
Forensic findings of neck compression and DNA matches
Medical evidence presented during the trial at Winchester Crown Court provides a grim account of the physical cause of death. A post-mortem examination revealed that Ms. Derkacz died from compression of the neck. This finding supports the prosecution's claim that the death was a result of physical violence.
Furthermore, the prosecution stated that intimate swabs recovered from the scene contained semen with DNA that matches Stephen Sexton. The Crown argues that this evidence points to a rape occurring around the time of Ms. derkacz's death, asserting that any sexual contact at that stage would not have been consensual.
The jury's task in weighing Sexton's denials
While the prosecution has presented a timeline of escalating control and forensic evidence, Stephen Sexton maintains his innocence. The defendant, who is from Totton, Southampton, denies all charges, including the murder, the rape, and the two counts of coercive or controlling behavior.
The trial remains ongoing, leaving the jury to determine whether the evidence of psychological control and forensic DNA matches is sufficient to convict Sexton of the crimes alleged. The outcome will hinge on how the defense addresses the specific timeline of events leading up to the December 28 tragedy.
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