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Sister Finds Body After Confronting Accused Rapist
25 Jun
Summary
- Sister discovered victim's body after pushing past partner.
- Accused denies rape, murder, and controlling behavior allegations.
- Victim's sister fled after seeing knife, narrowly escaping harm.
Stephen Sexton, 38, is on trial for the rape and murder of Joanna Derkacz, 37, in December 2023. The court heard from Joanna's sister, Arleta Derkacz, who recounted finding her sister's body at the couple's home in Waterlooville, Hampshire.
Arleta Derkacz testified that after knocking, Sexton answered the door looking suspicious. When she insisted on going upstairs, he blocked her path, but she pushed him aside. She discovered her sister was dead, not just beaten as she initially feared.
Prosecutors revealed that post-mortem examinations found three broken bones in Joanna Derkacz's neck and evidence of sexual assault. In the year leading up to her death, Sexton allegedly fitted a tracking device to her car, accessed her emails, and damaged her phone and laptop.
Arleta Derkacz also reported a previous strangulation attempt by Sexton, detailed in a phone call. The prosecution suggests a dispute in December 2023, when Joanna asked Sexton to move out, marked a significant escalation in their relationship.
