Exclusive:Pathologist admits murder trial evidence has been 'complicated' during post-mortem process
Stephen Sexton denies the murder and rape of Joanna Derkacz.
A woman who died in her home likely sustained “painful” injuries from broken bones in the moments before her death, a court has been told.
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.
This week, evidence from pathologists is being given to the jury, including the conclusions they reached from a post-mortem, carried out in the days following her death. At Portsmouth Crown Court today (Tuesday, June 7), expert osteoricular pathologist, Professor Anthony Freemont, spoke about his findings from examining Joanna’s body.
He said: “One of the big areas for me is looking at fractures. I have researched fractures, their causes and how they heal.
“I was provided with X-rays of samples, prior to them being sent to me. As in all x-rays, the bone comes out as white - any gaps appear black, and [with Joanna’s] you can see ragged black lines. Those are fractures.”
As previously discussed in court, a fracture was found on Joanna’s hyoid bone, as well as two at the top of her voicebox. Professor Freemont pointed out to the jury where these fractures had occurred, as well as detailing the impact of her injuries.
He said: “These aren’t just fractures, the bones have been slightly displaced.
“This is a case that has been complicated by tissue decomposition, where you lose some of the features for ageing fractures. In this case, a lot of blood cells had disappeared.
“I concluded that the fractures occurred within 12 hours of death. But because I had seen hemorrhaging, in my opinion it happened within life.
“It’s very painful - these structures are related to the movements of the tongue and the process of speech. These fractures occur by either direct impact, or by neck compression. Because of where the fractures are, it’s difficult to damage the bone.
“Severe force was used to cause these fractures, that is my assessment and opinion on this case.”
(Proceeding)