Alleged killer previously strangled girlfriend as relationship unravelled before death
Alleged killer turned violent as relationship unravelled
The sister of a woman who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend recalled how her sibling was previously strangled.
Stephen Sexton, 38, is alleged to have killed Joanna Derkacz, 37, in the early hours of December 28, 2023, at their home in Nevinson Way, Waterlooville.
Sexton denies murder, rape and controlling or coercive behaviour after their relationship of three years ended while they still lived together.
Portsmouth Crown Court was played a police video interview of Joanna’s sister Arleta Derkacz who became worried about her sibling’s welfare as the relationship deteriorated.
Arleta revealed how her sister was “happy and excited” when she first began her relationship with Sexton having not been “very lucky” with former partners. “He seemed to be quite confident and a good bloke and had his own business and seemed to be quite decent,” she told detectives.
But as time went on Joanna complained of Sexton smoking “too much” cannabis and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol after the couple had moved in together to rent a property. Arleta realised further issues were unfolding in the relationship when Joanna revealed she wanted to buy a property by herself.
When Joanna went out with friends without Sexton she would return home to find Sexton “very jealous”, the sibling said. “I know he didn’t go out with her too much so whenever she did (go out) he was not happy,” Arleta said, recounting a time when Sexton grabbed her laptop off her and smashed it. “The next day she rang and was crying and he was kicking off.”
Arleta said her sister needed someone to “take care of her” but found herself trying to look after Sexton, who lost his job. “Jo was stronger than him and would comfort him. She was giving her all, she was providing,” the sister told officers.
Arleta said she found out of an incident where Sexton put his hands around Joanna’s neck before she “pushed him away”. She added: “It was surprising when she told me he had strangled her.”
Joanna kept on trying to make things work with Sexton, the sister said before adding: “She was giving him chances over and over again. (Joanna said) she would need to end her own life to end (the relationship).”
Despite being a “confident” person, Joanna withdrew and took up therapy to find out “why she makes the wrong decisions”.
(Proceeding)