Woman Told Sister Boyfriend Choked Her Until She 'Couldn't Breathe' Days Before His Trial

A woman told her sister that her violent boyfriend would choke her until she 'couldn't breathe' days before he allegedly strangled her to death, a trial has heard. Stephen Sexton, 39, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with the rape, coercive control, and murder of Joanna Derkacz, 37, at their home in Waterlooville, Hampshire, on December 28, 2023.

Ms. Derkacz's body was discovered by her sister, Arleta Derkacz, who testified that her sister had confided in her about Sexton's past violence. Arleta told the court that around Christmas, Joanna had described incidents where Sexton would choke her until she struggled to breathe, stating, "If I didn't push him away he would hurt me, he would choke me, like I couldn't breathe."

Arleta described her sister as "brave" and someone who "wanted to handle everything herself." Despite Arleta offering financial assistance for Ms. Derkacz to move out, her sister refused, wanting to stay in the house. Arleta expressed regret, calling her decision to trust Joanna to manage the situation alone the "worst decision I ever made."

Prosecutors allege that Sexton murdered Ms. Derkacz by strangulation shortly after midnight on December 28, 2023. The court previously heard that Sexton, a marine engineer and father of one, visited sex workers in the moments after the alleged murder. He is accused of contacting two prostitutes after the death, using Ms. Derkacz's car to visit one.

Arleta Derkacz recounted going to her sister's home when she was not returning calls. She described Sexton as appearing "petrified" with "dead eyes." Upon entering the home, she found Ms. Derkacz on her bed, described as "grey" and lifeless. Arleta also stated that she saw Sexton holding a "big kitchen knife" as she fled the house, shouting that he had killed her sister. She told detectives she was "petrified" and feared Sexton could have followed her.

During the trial, Arleta explained that incidents of domestic violence had occurred in their family during their childhood. She suggested that because she and her sister were accustomed to such situations, she did not react as strongly as others might have when Joanna confided about the choking. Arleta admitted that she initially viewed some incidents between Joanna and Sexton as mere "arguments."

Sexton denies all charges, including murder, rape, and coercive or controlling behavior. The trial at Winchester Crown Court is ongoing.