Woman’s Death in ‘Aggressive’ Relationship Under Scrutiny in Court

A court has been informed that a woman died from blood loss after being sexually assaulted by a man with whom she was involved in an “aggressive” relationship. On March 22, paramedics discovered Tiffany Render, 34, surrounded by blood-soaked bedding at Paul Irwin’s flat on George Street in Whitehaven, Cumbria. Mr. Irwin, who had been her partner for the preceding 16 months, has denied charges of murder and sexual assault. Prosecutor Iain Simkin KC told the jury at Carlisle Crown Court that Miss Render was an “extremely vulnerable woman who was trapped inside an aggressive, violent and controlling relationship”. The court heard that Mr. Irwin, 50, had contacted the ambulance service, stating his belief that Miss Render was deceased. A pathologist concluded that she died of a massive haemorrhage. The court was told that at the time of Miss Render’s death, Mr. Irwin was subject to a suspended prison sentence for a violent assault during which he repeatedly struck her with a rolling pin, slapped her face, and strangled her. Following that attack in July 2023, Miss Render had reported other alleged assaults by Mr. Irwin. She claimed he exercised “full control” over her life, limiting access to money and contact with her children, interrogating her phone, and dictating what she could and could not eat. In early March, Mr. Irwin was arrested and released on bail with conditions prohibiting him from contacting Miss Render or approaching George Street. However, the court heard that he subsequently made contact and threatened her. Mr. Simkin informed the court that Miss Render had previously told the police she was “absolutely terrified” to leave her home and was contemplating security measures to protect herself from a potential attack. He further stated, “She later moved into supported accommodation.” The court heard that Mr. Irwin had maintained that any contact between the pair was consensual. It is anticipated that he will contend that her death was “an accidental result of sexual activity”. The trial, which is projected to last approximately two weeks, is ongoing. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.