Exclusive:Woman describes "jealous" and "two-faced" man accused of murdering her Waterlooville sister
“He had a problem with every single man who got close to my sister.”
The sister of a woman who was found dead in Waterlooville has called the man accused of killing her “two-faced”.
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 on December 28, 2023. Sexton denies the charges.
Over the course of this week, Joanna’s sister, Arleta Derkacz, has been giving evidence at Portsmouth Crown Court, telling the jury of how she found her sister’s body and how Sexton would be “very jealous” of her spending time with others.
This afternoon (Friday, June 26), the court was told of how Sexton once alleged that Joanna was having an affair with Arleta’s partner, Lucas - and that after being strangled by Sexton, Joanna ended her relationship with him.
Defence barrister Jodie Mittel KC said: “I am suggesting that Sexton was saying to you in a phone conversation that Lucas had made a sexual advance on Joanna.”
Arleta said: “Lucas and Joanna were like brother and sister - nothing like that ever happened. The first phone call he [Sexton] was really rude, and swearing at me.
“It was the most disgusting thing he could have ever said. He could switch and be two-faced, telling you lies that weren’t actually true.
“One day he could be really nice and say lovely things, the next he’s saying horrible things that weren’t true, the only person who believed it was himself.
“Sexton had a problem with every single man who got close to my sister - literally every single man.”
Arleta said that she, Lucas and Joanna would “laugh together” about how her partner and sister were not attracted to each other, describing the allegation as “the biggest lie”.
The court was told of how Joanna and Sexton started dating in 2020, having first met on a dating site. In December 2023, Joanna then called off their relationship, telling her sister about an incident where Sexton had attempted to strangle her.
Arleta said: “My sister was always so happy and outgoing, everybody could see that. But I remember her telling me that she had lost her confidence - I knew something wasn’t right.
“Joanna just wasn’t the same person. She was losing weight, she was sad, and she wouldn’t talk very much.
“[When] she called me and said she had broken up with him, I remember being so happy. That’s when she said he had tried to strangle her.
“All I care about is getting justice for my sister, and I think we all know the truth.”
(Proceeding)