A Totton man has been charged with murder and rape after the death of a woman in 2023.

A detailed investigation was opened to establish the circumstances of Joanna Derkacz, 37, from Waterlooville after she was found dead inside a house on Nevinson Way on December 28, 2023.

Expert evidence reports following a Home Office post-mortem has now led to Stephen Edward Sexton, 37, of Cherrywood Gardens in Totton, being charged with murder and rape.

READ MORE: Police hunt witnesses as culprit reportedly wielded knife in robbery

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court on Saturday.

As reported by the Echo, Joanna's sister - on behalf of her family - released a tribute following her death: "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.

"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."