Marine Engineer Visited Prostitute After Alleged Murder, Court Hears

A marine engineer is accused of visiting a prostitute shortly after allegedly raping and murdering his partner, with prosecutors suggesting the act of killing may have heightened his arousal. Stephen Sexton, 39, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court for the murder of Joanna Derkacz, 37, at their home in Waterlooville, Hampshire, on December 28, 2023.

Prosecutors allege that after killing Ms. Derkacz, Sexton's "first thought was to try and find prostitutes." Jurors were told he sent a message to a woman on an escort website saying, "I'll be there in 20 minutes ok baby," before taking Ms. Derkacz's car and phone to meet her.

According to the prosecution, Ms. Derkacz was killed after enduring 12 months of "controlling and coercive" behavior from Sexton. The court heard that Ms. Derkacz had warned police about Sexton's behavior less than three weeks before her death, describing him as "very controlling" and prone to "flipping."

In messages sent to Sexton, Ms. Derkacz wrote, "Do you understand that you have been abusing me mentally and physically. You have cheated on me with multiple women and controlling me. I don't know what u don't understand here. You fucked up big time. There is no going back. You are sick by even thinking that what u saying is important. Not only that I can't trust u not only with women but I don't feel save around you." She subsequently blocked his number.

Jurors were informed that Ms. Derkacz suffered internal fractures to her neck. The prosecution suggests Sexton strangled her using his forearm or the crook of his elbow. Evidence presented indicates that Ms. Derkacz's phone was not accessed by her face ID after 12:59 a.m. on the night of her death, suggesting she was already deceased at that point.

The court heard that the couple, who had been together for three years, had been sleeping in separate bedrooms due to their deteriorating relationship. The prosecution stated that the controlling behavior escalated over the preceding year, particularly after Sexton lost his job and began using drugs. Ms. Derkacz had reportedly told her sister that Sexton had once tried to strangle her and had broken her phone and laptop in fits of anger.

On December 11, 2023, police conducted a welfare visit after Ms. Derkacz expressed concerns about Sexton's jealousy, paranoia, and attempts to isolate her. She told officers he was "very controlling" and "narcissistic" and had a tendency to "flip."

Ms. Derkacz's body was discovered by her sister, Arleta, who became concerned when she could not reach her. Arleta arrived at the flat on December 28 to find the door unlocked and the dogs agitated. Sexton, who appeared "really scared," initially claimed Ms. Derkacz had gone out with friends. Upon discovering her sister lifeless on the bed, Arleta ran downstairs, confronting Sexton, who was then holding a knife. He reportedly told her, "you're not leaving," before turning the knife on himself. Arleta managed to escape and call the police.

Sexton denies charges of murder, rape, and coercive or controlling behavior. The trial is a retrial after an earlier jury was discharged.