Exclusive:Woman found dead in Waterlooville fled her home after argument with partner, jury told
Sexton denies charges of murder, rape, and coercive or controlling behaviour.
A woman found dead in her home had previously fled the property after an argument with her partner, a court has heard.
“Jealous” Stephen Sexton, 39, is alleged to have strangled Joanna Derkacz, 37, in the early hours of December 28, 2023, at their home in Nevinson Way, Waterlooville.
Sexton, of Cherrywood Gardens, Totton, denies murder, rape, and coercive or controlling behaviour at the retrial.
At Winchester Crown Court today (Monday, November 9), one of Ms Derkacz’s friends, Daria Mazurkiewicz, recalled a time when the alleged murder victim ran away from home, seeking refuge with her in West Sussex. This happened after a row between her and Sexton, she explained.
She said: “Ms Derkacz was shacking, and looked distressed. She looked like she just grabbed the car keys and left in a rush.
“I invited her to the living room and made her a cup of coffee. Ms Derkacz was really afraid that Sexton would turn up at the address. We even moved her car a couple of streets further away.
“She was worried that he would do harm to one of them.”
Ms Mazurkiewicz said she ‘couldn’t recall’ exactly how long Ms Derkacz stayed with her, but said the Waterlooville mum headed home after a few days - with plans for her and Sexton to split up.
In the meantime, the defendant had reported her as missing to the police, who had taken a statement from him.
Throughout the trial, the jury has heard evidence from Ms Derkacz’s loved ones - including her sister Arleta - who have all spoken about the rocky nature of her relationship with Sexton.
“When she left, she did go back home,” Ms Mazurkiewicz added. “She was worried about what might happen to the dogs, and she didn’t have any of her electronics with her.
“She mentioned to me that she and Sexton would split the adult dogs between them, and tthe puppies would all go up for sale.
“While she was staying with me, I got a message from Sexton saying he had seen her driving in the direction of Chichester.
“I don’t know what happened between Ms Derkacz and Sexton - but I knew she was afraid.”
After Ms Derkacz left her home, Ms Mazurkiewicz never saw her in-person again.
(Proceeding)