PAUL IRWIN FROM WHITEHAVEN SENTENCED TO 32 YEARS FOR MURDER OF VULNERABLE MUM-OF-SEVEN IN CUMBRIA

A man identified as Paul Irwin has been sentenced to a minimum of 32 years in prison after being convicted of the brutal murder of Tiffany Render, a mother of seven who was described as extremely vulnerable. The tragic incident took place in Whitehaven, Cumbria, in March, where Irwin’s flat became the scene of a violent and fatal assault.

According to court proceedings, Tiffany Render died from a massive haemorrhage caused by severe injuries inflicted during a violent confrontation at Irwin’s residence. The events unfolded after both individuals had consumed alcohol and cocaine, which likely contributed to the escalation of violence. Irwin, residing on George Street in Whitehaven, denied the charge of murder, but a jury at Carlisle Crown Court found him guilty following a trial held last month.

It was revealed that Irwin, aged 50, had a history of violence against Ms. Render. In July 2023, he had previously been given a suspended jail sentence after attacking her with a rolling pin and strangling her. Despite this, Irwin was arrested twice in the weeks leading up to her death and was subject to a court order banning him from contacting her. Nevertheless, he continued to stay at his flat, even after securing alternative accommodation for Ms. Render, who was only 34 years old.

The court heard that on the night of March 22, shortly before midnight, Irwin called emergency services, claiming he believed Ms. Render was dead. Paramedics responded to the scene and found her unresponsive, lying amidst blood-soaked bedding. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead by a medical professional at the scene.

Prosecutor Iain Simkin KC described the scene, stating, “The severe force which caused the injury led to almost immediate bleeding and Miss Render bled to death inside this defendant’s home.” He emphasized her vulnerability, noting that she was emotionally and psychologically trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship, which provided a tragic context for her murder.

During the trial, it was revealed that Ms. Render had sent Irwin a text message saying, “If you did love me, you wouldn’t hurt me again and again and again,” highlighting her awareness of the ongoing abuse. Impact statements from her family painted a heartbreaking picture of her life. Her mother, Hazel Marginson, expressed profound grief, stating, “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. The heartbreak is unbearable.”

Defense lawyer Peter Glenser KC argued that Irwin did not intend to kill Ms. Render and expressed remorse for his actions. The judge, Mrs. Justice Foster, responded by imposing a mandatory life sentence, with a minimum term of 32 years before Irwin could be considered for parole. She condemned his treatment of Ms. Render, stating, “She was an extremely vulnerable woman and your treatment of her increased that vulnerability. 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.”

In addition to the murder conviction, Irwin admitted to sexual assaulting Ms. Render. As part of his sentence, he is required to sign the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the future.