A murder trial relating to the death of Joanna Derkacz is set to begin before the end of the year after a judge confirmed proceedings will return to Portsmouth Crown Court. The case had been delayed after the previous jury was discharged, meaning a new trial will now be heard before a fresh jury. Although an exact trial date has not yet been announced publicly, the court has confirmed the case is expected to get underway before the end of 2026.
Previous jury discharged
The retrial follows the discharge of an earlier jury, requiring the case to be listed again before Portsmouth Crown Court. The reasons for the jury’s discharge have not been detailed in the information released by the court.
Murder charge
The forthcoming trial relates to the death of Joanna Derkacz. The defendant will face a charge of murder when the case returns to court. As criminal proceedings remain active, reporting restrictions apply and no further details relating to the evidence or allegations can be published at this stage.
Trial expected later this year
The confirmation that the case will proceed before the end of 2026 brings clarity following months of uncertainty after the original trial was unable to continue. A further case management hearing is expected ahead of the start of the retrial, with a jury due to be sworn when proceedings begin at Portsmouth Crown Court.
Related: Cook Like a Pro: Chef-Approved Moroccan Chicken, Kisir & Corn Salad Recipes Revealed!
Related: Low-Waste Living Made Easy: Simple Tips to Keep Earth Day Every Day in the UK
Related: Earl of Wessex Visits Portsmouth Cycle Hub in Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 60th Anniversary Tour
Related: Missing Man Alert: Have You Seen Anthony Barbera, 57, Last Spotted in Portsmouth?
Related: Basingstoke Burglar Daniel Malcolm Jailed for Five Years After High-Speed Chase and Multiple Break-Ins
Related: Gunwharf Quays Back Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance as 2016/17 Charity of the Year
Related: Portsmouth Chaos: 40ft Lorry Trapped in Fratton Streets for Over an Hour
Related: Police Urge Lorry Driver to Come Forward After Fatal M27 Crash Kills Bognor Regis Man
Related: Portsmouth Gun and Cocaine Dealer Dean Broadway Jailed for Seven Years
Related: Black Military-Style Falcon Buzzes Low Over Portsmouth in Electronic Warfare Drill
Related: Fire Rips Through Abandoned Sports Bar in Newbury, Bartholomew Street Sealed Off
Related: Blaze Erupts on 100m Southampton Ship During Refit – Quick-Thinking Crew Escapes Unharmed
Related: Bembridge Lifeboat Saves Trimaran Crew After Anchor Fails to Lift
Related: Queue Chaos at HMS Collingwood Open Day Sparks Fury Over 90-Minute Waits
Related: A3M Northbound Shut After Serious Pedestrian Collision at Clanfield – Drivers Urged to Avoid
Related: High-Speed Crash on M3 Near Basingstoke Sends Driver to Hospital, Lane Closure Sparks Chaos
Related: Daylight Petrol Attack at Locks Heath Centre: Man’s Car Set Ablaze, Suspect Arrested
Related: Fifty Firefighters Battle Intense Overnight Blaze at Swanwick Boatyard Near Southampton
Related: Portsmouth Woman Assaulted After Birthday Night Out – Police Urgently Seek Suspect ID
Related: Christchurch House Blaze Sees Six Fire Crews Battle Flames Late Into Night
Related: Toxic Ecstasy Tablets Send Four to Hospital on Isle of Wight – Police Arrest Man and Offer Amnesty
Related: Urgent Appeal: Missing Gosport and Fareham Teens Alexandra Grundy and Rebeka Zvaigzne Still Not Found
Related: Portsmouth Pervert Strips Naked After Tricking Woman for Photo on Eastney Beach
Related: Urgent Appeal as Southampton Man Ovidijus Aukselis, 22, Missing for Two Days
Related: Driver Jeanette Smith Charged Over Fatal A32 Cyclist Crash
Related: Cherokee Plane Crashes Into Sea Off Winchelsea Beach – Pilot Missing as Search Continues
Originally published by UKNIP.
We are your go-to destination for breaking UK news, real-life stories from communities across the country, striking images, and must-see video from the heart of the action.
Follow us on Facebook at for the latest updates and developing stories, and stay connected on X (Twitter) the for live coverage as news breaks across the UK.
