Exclusive:Prosecution suggests how Joanna Derkacz may have died as murder trial continues
Stephen Sexton denies charges of murder, rape, and coercive or controlling behaviour.
Prosecutors who have accused a man of murdering his ex-girlfriend have suggested he may have used a carrier bag to kill her.
Stephen Sexton, 39, is alleged to have strangled Joanna Derkacz, 37, in the early hours of December 28, 2023, at their home in Nevinson Way, Waterlooville.
Sexton, of Cherrywood Gardens, Totton, denies murder, rape, and coercive or controlling behaviour at the retrial.
Taking to the witness stand at Winchester Crown Court earlier today (Thursday, November 12), forensic expert Rush Shackel was questioned by the prosecution about DNA found inside a Tesco carrier bag at the property.
The bag was damaged - which could have been put down to wear and tear - but a large saliva sample was also found inside the bag.
Jodie Mittell KC said: “The damage could simply be from being used as a carrier bag, with heavy items inside. If that was what happened, you could not say when that would be.
“There is saliva inside the bag. In relation to the inside surface, there was a large area where you found DNA that could have come from Ms Derkacz - it’s fully represented. The science can’t tell us when that was deposited.
“The prosecution’s suggestion is that her head was inthe bag at some stage. If it was, however, you cannot say when that would have been.”
Ms Mittell added that “reasonable possibilities” could also have included Ms Derkacz coughing, spitting or sneezing directly into the bag.
Other swabs from inside the bag found mixed DNA results, as did a swab of the carrier bag’s handles. Complete DNA profiles matching Sexton were found elsewhere on the bag.
The jury was also given a timeline of activity from the defendant’s iPhone 13 Pro, in the month leading up to Ms Derkacz’s death. Among his history was the phrase “how to unlock iPhone without a computer” and messages to Ms Derkacz’s friends asking them where she was, sent shortly before he reported her missing to police earlier in December 2023.
Upon his arrest, the jury heard how he questioned the officer about being arrested on suspicion of rape, and then said: “Can you tell my parents now.”
(Proceeding)