Man accused of murdering girlfriend in Waterlooville was blocked from contacting partner’s friends because they “didn’t like him”

A man accused of murdering his girlfriend had been blocked from contacting his partner’s friends because they “didn’t like him”, a court heard

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.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard how Sexton displayed jealous, controlling and coercive behaviour after their relationship of three years broke down. The defendant denies murder, rape and controlling or coercive behaviour.

The court heard how Sexton reported Ms Derkacz missing to police after being concerned she might have been in a crash after leaving the house early on December 11, 2023. “I’m worried about my partner as I’ve not seen or spoken to her all day - it’s out of character,” he told police during a call after believing she had headed towards Bognor Regis to see friends.

Asked about the argument, he said his partner had come back “quite drunk” from a night out, adding: “We had an argument. I went to bed and she slept downstairs on the sofa.”

PC Abby Gilbert subsequently made a call to Sexton to find out further information. Giving evidence, she told jurors: “I asked if he had any of her friends' contact details and he said he didn’t because they had all blocked him and didn’t like him.”

After Ms Derkacz returned home Sexton phoned PC Gilbert to say she had returned safely but they had “split up”.

“I said we still need to check on her welfare,” the officer told the court before adding: “(Sexton) said she was going mad and kicking off and did not want police to come there.

“I couldn’t hear anything in the background. You would normally expect to hear something.”

“I definitely needed to go sooner rather than later to check on her welfare.”

During the call, the officer said Sexton revealed he had broken his partner’s laptop but had ordered a new one. “He confirmed they had an argument and had split up. He sounded emotional but calm,” PC Gilbert said.

After going to the address, PC Gilbert and a colleague found Ms Derkacz alone. “She seemed relieved she had the opportunity to talk,” the officer told the court.

Asked if she witnessed any evidence of her “going mad or kicking off”, the officer said: “No not at all.”

(Proceeding)