Joanna Derkacz Case Draws Attention as Court Hears Claims of Control, Escalation, and Final Day Timeline in Portsmouth Home

 According to prosecutors, the case of Joanna Derkacz has drawn significant attention as investigators outline allegations surrounding the December 2023 events that led to her death in the United Kingdom. The case, now being heard at Portsmouth Crown Court, centers on claims involving her boyfriend, Stephen Sexton, and a rapidly deteriorating relationship that ultimately ended in tragedy and continues to raise serious questions today unfolding.

Concerns were first raised on December 28, 2023, when family members could not reach 37-year-old Joanna Derkacz. Her sister went to check the residence and, upon entering, allegedly encountered Sexton at the top of the stairs before discovering her sister’s body inside a bedroom, according to court testimony and investigative accounts presented during proceedings as authorities continue reviewing evidence in the ongoing investigation process continues.

Prosecutors allege that Sexton exhibited controlling and possessive behavior throughout the relationship, claiming he became increasingly jealous of Derkacz’s interactions with male friends and coworkers following the collapse of his welding business. They also stated that his behavior worsened during periods of alleged substance use, while Sexton has denied all accusations in court filings as prosecutors continue presenting evidence before the jury this week trial.

Court proceedings indicate the relationship had deteriorated significantly in the weeks before Derkacz’s death. She reportedly asked Sexton to move out of the home and requested separate living arrangements, while prosecutors cited earlier incidents involving alleged property damage, intimidation, and disputes that had been previously reported to authorities and neighbors according to statements provided during the court hearings reviewed evidence.

During an earlier welfare check, Derkacz allegedly told officers that Sexton was very controlling and described sudden changes in his behavior. Although she denied prior physical harm, her sister later testified that Derkacz had previously disclosed an incident in which she was allegedly strangled until she could not breathe in a prior episode according to testimony given in court records.

Prosecutors further allege that on the day of Derkacz’s death, Sexton left the home twice and attempted to locate sex workers in a nearby city. They claim these actions occurred while Derkacz was already deceased inside the residence, though Sexton has denied the allegations in court testimony as investigators continue examining digital and physical evidence from the scene thoroughly reviewed.

A post-mortem examination reportedly found evidence consistent with sexual assault, according to investigators. Authorities have not released full forensic details publicly, but the findings have been referenced in court proceedings as part of the prosecution’s case and ongoing evidentiary review while officials continue to evaluate results and consider additional expert analysis during the ongoing investigation process in court proceedings review.

Stephen Sexton was arrested on December 28, 2023, the same day Derkacz was found, initially on suspicion of coercive control and criminal damage. He was later charged with murder and rape in May 2025 and has pleaded not guilty, with the case currently being heard at Portsmouth Crown Court as proceedings continue while further hearings are scheduled as the trial process moves forward in court.