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Controlling Ex Fitted Tracker Before Girlfriend's Murder
11 Jun
Summary
- Accused fitted tracking device to victim's car prior to death.
- Victim reported boyfriend as 'very controlling' and 'narcissistic'.
- Defendant allegedly left house after death to visit sex workers.
Stephen Sexton, 38, is on trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, accused of murdering his girlfriend, Joanna Derkacz, 37, in December 2023. Prosecutors allege Sexton exhibited jealous, controlling, and coercive behavior throughout their relationship. This behavior reportedly escalated after his business failed and was exacerbated by alcohol and drug use.
The court heard Sexton fitted a tracking device to Derkacz's car, checked her emails, and damaged her phone and laptop in the year prior to her death. In December 2023, following an argument and Derkacz asking him to move out, the prosecution alleges Sexton murdered her in the early hours of December 28, 2023.
Post-mortem examinations revealed three broken neck bones and DNA evidence of sexual assault. The court was shown body-worn footage where Derkacz described her boyfriend as "very controlling" and "narcissistic." Following her death, Sexton allegedly left the property twice before calling for assistance. Her body was discovered by her sister, Arleta, at the house in Waterlooville.
