Hampshire police have charged a man following the tragic death of 37-year-old Joanna Derkacz. Her lifeless body was discovered at a home on Nevinson Way, Waterlooville, prompting a swift and thorough police investigation.
Officers were called to the address on December 28 at around 11:30am after concerns were raised about Joanna. Stephen Edward Sexton, 36, who resides on Nevinson Way, has been charged with coercive or controlling behaviour and criminal damage.
Sexton was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court today.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the police force’s previous interactions with Joanna in the weeks leading up to her death, adding further scrutiny to this tragic case.
Joanna’s family has expressed deep sorrow and paid a heartfelt tribute. Her sister said: “To my lovely sister. If flowers grow in heaven, on land that’s wild and free, Lord, place some in my sister’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Please tell her that we love her, and miss her every day, and tell her there’s still so much to say.”
She continued, “Remembering her is easy, she’s in everything we do. We miss her so much every day, but we know she’s safe with you. If tears could build a stairway, made from all the pain, I would walk right up to heaven and bring her back again.”
“Lord, please take care of her, and I hope she will see, that she was such a special daughter, auntie, and sister to me. We will love you always sweet angel, you didn’t deserve this. I’ll fight for justice till my last breath.”
The local community remains united in grief, hoping the full truth behind Joanna’s death will soon be revealed.
Originally published by UKNIP.
