Engineer Accused of Rape and Murder Allegedly Abused Girlfriend for Two Years

An engineer is accused of a two-year campaign of abuse against his girlfriend, culminating in her rape and murder, after she attempted to end their relationship. Stephen Sexton, 39, denies charges of murder, rape, and coercive or controlling behavior at Winchester Crown Court.

Joanna Derkacz, 37, was found dead in December 2023 at the flat she shared with Sexton in Waterlooville, Hampshire. Prosecutors allege she was raped and strangled.

Three weeks before her death, police conducted a welfare check on Ms. Derkacz after Sexton reported her missing. In footage captured by a police body camera, Ms. Derkacz described Sexton as "very controlling" and "very narcissistic." She told officers he "flipped" because she was late returning from a night out with friends, accusing her of infidelity.

Ms. Derkacz detailed instances of abuse, including Sexton breaking her phone and laptop by stamping on them during arguments. She also recounted an incident where Sexton splashed water on her face and turned off the lights while she was showering, forcing her to bathe in the dark. She stated that Sexton's father was a police officer, and she believed her partner "knew what he was doing."

During the welfare check, Ms. Derkacz showed officers the broken laptop. She told police that Sexton would frequently threaten to take her dogs and manipulate her. She expressed feeling isolated from her friends due to Sexton's controlling nature and jealousy, noting that her sister no longer spoke to him after he had an outburst.

Despite reporting the abuse, Ms. Derkacz declined to give a formal statement or pursue further action at that time, stating she was a private person and planned to sort out their joint living situation as they had separated. Police initially assessed the risk to her as "medium," but this was later reviewed and reassessed as "high risk."

Prosecutors contend that Ms. Derkacz "made a fatal mistake in underestimating him" and that "so many red flags" were present, but neither she nor the officers fully grasped the potential severity of Sexton's actions. Following Ms. Derkacz's death, Sexton is alleged to have contacted two prostitutes and taken her car to visit one.

The trial is ongoing.