Joanna Derkacz: Partner used bag as restraint before murder, jury hears

A “jealous” partner used a Tesco shopping bag to restrain his girlfriend before raping and murdering her after she wanted to end the relationship, a jury has heard.

Stephen Sexton, 39, is standing trial at Winchester Crown Court accused of killing Joanna Derkacz at her home in Waterlooville, Hampshire, in December 2023.

Prosecutors said Sexton displayed jealous and controlling behaviour during what they described as a toxic and abusive relationship.

Sexton, of Cherrywood Gardens, in Totton, Hampshire, denies raping and murdering the 37-year-old, as well as behaving in a coercive or controlling manner.

The court heard the relationship became increasingly violent and threatening.

Nicola Shannon KC, prosecuting, said Derkacz had told her sister Arleta that on one occasion Sexton had tried to strangle her, but she had managed to push him away.

He also broke her mobile and her laptop in fits of anger after Derkacz had come home 20 minutes late from seeing friends, the court was told.

After the row, prosecutors said Derkacz took shelter at a friend’s house and Sexton reported her missing to the police. The court heard this may have prompted her to ask him to move out.

When two female police officers visited the property in Nevison Way on 11 December to carry out a welfare check, Derkacz described her boyfriend as “very controlling” and “narcissistic”.

“He has this thing where he flips,” she said.