Man denies murder of Whitehaven woman
He'll go on trial in November.
A man has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the murder of Whitehaven woman Tiffany Render.
Fifty-year-old Paul Irwin was charged following an incident in the town last month.
Police officers had been called to a property on George Street in the town centre at around 11:45pm on Friday, 22nd March.
Irwin stands accused of murdering 34-year-old Miss Render, and also faces a second charge which alleges a serious sexual assault.
At Carlisle Crown Court this morning (Tuesday), Irwin pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to him by a court clerk.
He appeared in court over a video link from custody, and during a 13-minute hearing in front of His Honour Judge Nicholas Barker, Irwin spoke first to confirm his name and then to enter the two not guilty pleas.
A jury trial has already been listed and is due to start at the crown court on 12th November.
It's estimated to last around 10 days.
The case was adjourned and Irwin remains remanded in custody. A further case management hearing is due to take place at the court on 13th September.