Man jailed for life for murder of Whitehaven woman
Tiffany Render was killed earlier this year
Last updated 17th Dec 2024
A man who murdered a mum-of-seven in a shocking violent sex attack has been jailed for life with a minimum of 32 years behind bars.
Paul Irwin, who's 50, was high on cocaine and had downed strong lager before killing 34-year-old Tiffany Render at his flat on March 22.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how, at that time, 17-stone Irwin was subject to a suspended jail term for previous domestic violence against Miss Render.
Weeks before his, unemployed Irwin was twice arrested, bailed and banned from contacting Miss Render for other alleged abuse as he exercised full control over her life.
Irwin, of George Street, Whitehaven, denied murder but was convicted, unanimously, by a jury who heard harrowing evidence of his brutal violence.
The Crown Prosecution Service has since apologised to Miss Render’s grieving family, admitting that Irwin could have been charged and put behind bars earlier.
He was sentenced today (Tues) having also admitted sexual assaulting her.
Iain Simkin KC, prosecuting said;
“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.”
Impact statements revealed she was a mother to seven children cared for by her family; also a sister, a loving auntie, a niece and a cousin.
“The heartbreak is unbearable,” stated her mum, Hazel Marginson.
“No parent should ever have to go through this. 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.”
One of Miss Render’s sisters, Caroline, called the impact on their family “devastating”, saying of Irwin: “Tiffany’s caring nature shone through until his cowardly behaviour took her life from us.”
Caroline added: “Tiffany had a heart of gold.”
Peter Glenser KC, mitigating for Irwin, said:
“He didn’t intend to kill her. He is truly remorseful.”
Detective Constable Lisa Baker said:
“I am pleased that Paul Irwin has been convicted of the murder of Tiffany Render and that he will now spend a significant amount of time in prison for what he did.
“This is a tragic loss of a life, and no one should have to suffer at the hands of their partner in such a horrific way.
“My thoughts remain with Tiffany’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“We know that no sentence passed will be able to bring Tiffany back, but I do hope that the sentence passed today can go some way in giving them some sort of closure knowing that Irwin is now behind bars for what he did to Tiffany.
Irwin must sign the sex offenders’ register for life.