Woman allegedly murdered by “crazy” boyfriend did not “feel safe” and declared: “I hate him.”
Girlfriend who was killed said her boyfriend was “crazy”
A girlfriend who was allegedly murdered by her “crazy” boyfriend said she did not “feel safe” and declared: “I hate him.”
“Snake” 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. He denies murder, rape and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Portsmouth Crown Court heard how Sexton tormented Ms Derkacz with an array of “spiteful” actions after their relationship of three years ended while they still lived together.
Messages exchanged between the warring former couple in the build up to Ms Derkacz’s death revealed the depth of hostility between them.
Ms Derkacz hit out at Sexton on a number of topics and told him: “You have cheated on me with multiple women.”
She described Sexton as “sick” and confessed to fears over his behaviour: “I can’t trust you when you’re at home. I don’t feel safe with you.”
Firing a warning to Sexton, Ms Derkacz then told him: “Everyone will find out what a snake you are.”
Sexton questioned an accusation of him taking drugs before Ms Derkacz struck back, saying: “Don’t play your stupid games Steve. I’m done.”
The woman, in a message to a friend, revealed her frustrations saying Sexton got “so drunk and high”. She added: “I’ve had enough.”
In another message, Ms Derkacz accused Sexton of stealing a book from her and told him to give it back, warning him: “I will call police”.
She went on to call Sexton “crazy” after he accused her of chatting to a man from social media she denied she had spoken to, blasting him as “Satan” before adding: “I hate him, I hate him.”
In a further warning to Sexton before blocking his phone, Ms Derkacz said: “Don’t say tomorrow I didn’t warn you.”
The court previously heard how Sexton would engage in “spiteful” abuse including throwing water over his ex-partner, splashing her in the face with water while she slept on the sofa, turning the light off while she was in the shower and “isolating” Ms Derkacz, who had only been out four times in their relationship.
(Proceeding)