Exclusive:'Intimate' swab of Joanna Derkacz's body does not indicate she was raped, solicitor argues

An ‘intimate’ swab taken from a woman who died in her home does not offer conclusive evidence that she was raped, a barrister has argued.

Stephen Sexton, 38, is on trial accused of the murder of Joanna Derkacz, as well as rape, and controlling or coercive behaviour. The 37-year-old was found dead at the couple’s home in Nevinson Way, Waterlooville on December 28, 2023. Sexton denies the charges.

Earlier in the trial, DNA evidence was brought to a halt after questions were raised about an ‘intimate’ swab taken from Joanna. Trace elements of semen had been found, which was 11,000 times more likely than not to match Sexton’s DNA profile. Forensic expert Ruth Shackel asked for a pause to reconsider her conclusions.

At Portsmouth Crown Court today (Wednesday, July 8), she returned with multiple possible conclusions for the jury to consider.

Ms Shackel said that the overall findings, when looked at collectively, were not what would have been expected to see if full intercourse had occurred one or two days before the swabs were taken. There were ‘many other explanations’ for the findings, she added.

Previously, the jury was told that DNA like this is usually lost to forensics, naturally, over the course of “up to three days” - and that regardless of explanation, with the DNA swab itself Ms Shackel “could not exclude Sexton” from being a contributor.

Ms Mittell added: “She could have transferred the semen by touching a household item with semen on it, and then touching herself. That is an explanation you cannot say is any more or less likely to explain the findings. Semen could even have transferred in a clothes washing cycle.”

Ms Shackel replied that sexual activity “has taken place”, but she could not say when it had happened.

“So there could have been no recent sexual activity at all,” Ms Mittell said.

(Proceeding)