Man who murdered 'vulnerable' mum-of-seven jailed

A man who murdered an "extremely vulnerable" mum-of-seven in a sex attack has been jailed for at least 32 years.

Tiffany Render died of a massive haemorrhage at Paul Irwin's flat in Whitehaven, Cumbria, in March after both had consumed alcohol and cocaine.

Irwin, of George Street, denied murder but was convicted by a jury following a trial last month at Carlisle Crown Court.

The 50-year-old had previously been given a suspended jail term after attacking Ms Render with a rolling pin and strangling her in July 2023.

The trial heard Irwin was arrested twice in the weeks leading up to Miss Render's murder and had been banned from contacting her.

However, despite obtaining safe accommodation, the 34-year continued to stay at his flat.

Shortly before midnight on 22 March, Irwin called 999 and said he believed Miss Render was dead.

Paramedics found her unresponsive, surrounded by blood-soaked bedding, and she was pronounced dead by a doctor.

"The severe force which caused the injury led to almost immediate bleeding and Miss Render bled to death inside this defendant's home," said Iain Simkin KC, prosecuting.

"She was, without doubt, an extremely vulnerable woman who was emotionally and psychologically trapped inside an aggressive, violent and controlling relationship and it was against that background that this defendant murdered her."

In one text to Irwin, Miss Render had said: "If you did love me, you wouldn't hurt me again and again and again."

Impact statements revealed she was a mother to seven children, cared for by her family, also a sister, a loving auntie, niece and cousin.

"No parent should ever have to go through this," stated her mum, Hazel Marginson.

"No parent should ever have to bury a child. This will haunt me for the rest of my life. I am a changed woman forever.

"The heartbreak is unbearable."

Peter Glenser KC, mitigating, said Irwin had not intended to kill Miss Render and was "truly remorseful".

Accepting it had not been a planned attack, Mrs Justice Foster imposed a mandatory life sentence, ruling Irwin should serve a minimum of 32 years in prison before being considered for parole.

"She was an extremely vulnerable woman and your treatment of her increased that vulnerability," Mrs Justice Foster told Irwin.

"Your history of attacks while drunk reveals a cycle of alcohol, violence, regret.

"Her appalling injuries were caused by your actions. Only you know the full detail of what happened in that flat."

Irwin, who also admitted sexual assaulting Miss Render, must sign the sex offenders register for life.

The Crown Prosecution Service has apologised to Miss Render's family, admitting Irwin could have been charged and jailed for earlier offences.

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