Stephen Sexton has denied the murder of Joanna Derkacz.

A judge has confirmed that a murder trial will get under way before the end of this year.

The body of 37-year-old Joanna Derkacz was found in Nevinson Way, Waterlooville, on December 28, 2023. Stephen Sexton, 39 from Cherrywood Gardens, Totton, pleaded not guilty to one count of murder, one count of rape, and two counts of coercive or controlling behaviour.

Jurors in a trial were dismissed last month, with a re-trial date being set for later in the year.

A spokesperson for Portsmouth Crown Court said: “On July 13, 2026, the court ruled that the trial could not be concluded, and the jury was discharged. There will be a re-trial beginning on October 19, 2026.”

At a case management hearing in court this morning (Tuesday, August 4), Judge Michael Bowes KC told prosecutors, Sexton and his solicitors that the re-trial will be going ahead as planned.

Sexton appeared in court via video link from HMP Winchester, where he has been remanded in custody, wearing a grey Adidas t-shirt. Prosecutor Dale Sullivan, and Bernice Mulvanny, representing Sexton, also attended virtually.

There will be a further case management hearing on Friday, September 28, Judge Bowes told the court.