A man charged with the rape and murder of a “special” woman appeared in court for the first time today.
Stephen Edward Sexton, of Cherrywood Gardens in Totton, faced two charges at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.
He is accused of the rape and murder of Joanna Derkacz, 37, from Waterlooville.
She was found dead inside a house on Nevinson Way on December 28, 2023.
Police say no pleas were entered by Sexton, 37, at the magistrates’ court today.
READ MORE: Man caught ‘making threats to kill’ sent back to prison, say police
He was remanded in custody to appear at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, May 13.
More than a year on from Joanna's death, his arrest comes after expert evidence reports were made following a Home Office post-mortem.
Joanna’s sister previously paid tribute to her, describing her as “such a special daughter, auntie, and sister to me”.
She added: "We will love you always sweet angel.
"You didn’t deserve this.
"I’ll fight for justice till my last breath."
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