Man tried to visit sex workers after killing, jury told

A "controlling" and "narcissistic" man tried to visit two sex workers shortly after raping and murdering his girlfriend, a jury has heard.

Stephen Sexton, 39, is accused of killing Joanna Derkacz at her home in Waterlooville, Hampshire, in December 2023.

Sexton, of Cherrywood Gardens, in Totton, Hampshire, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court.

He denies raping and murdering 37-year-old Derkacz, as well as behaving in a coercive or controlling manner.

The court has previously heard in the weeks before her death the relationship had become increasingly violent and threatening.

Prosecutors claim Sexton's first actions after Derkacz died were to try to find sex workers in Portsmouth.

The jury was told Sexton twice left the couple's home in Nevinson Way and travelled to the city in Derkacz's car.

The court was shown images, which it was claimed showed Sexton making those journeys, as well as messages between him and two women he was trying to meet.

Nicola Shannon KC, prosecuting, said this demonstrated his persistent efforts to seek out sex after killing Derkacz.

Prosecutors allege Derkacz was murdered during the early hours of 28 December 2023.

Jurors previously heard post-mortem examinations found fractures in her neck and that the injuries were likely caused using an arm or crook of an elbow.

They were also told that DNA evidence showed she had been sexually assaulted.

Sexton's defence barrister, Jodie Mittell KC, told the jury the initial post-mortem examination found no clear evidence of neck fractures.

She disputed the timeframe of when the fractures had occurred, and suggested it could have happened during further medical examinations.

She also said Derkacz's previous drug use and medical history could have played a part in her death.

The prosecution told the jury no attempt was made by Sexton to get help, despite the fact he must have seen her dead or dying.

Derkacz's body was found by her sister Arleta at the house in Waterlooville later that morning.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.