Man Sentenced to Minimum 32 Years for Murder of “Extremely Vulnerable” Mother of Seven

Paul Irwin has received a minimum 32-year prison sentence for the murder of an “extremely vulnerable” mother of seven during a sexual assault. Tiffany Render’s death, which occurred in March at Paul Irwin’s residence in Whitehaven, Cumbria, was attributed to a massive haemorrhage, following the consumption of alcohol and cocaine by both individuals. Irwin, whose address is George Street, pleaded not guilty to murder; however, a jury at Carlisle Crown Court found him guilty after a trial held last month. The 50-year-old defendant had previously received a suspended prison sentence in July 2023 for an assault on Ms Render, involving a rolling pin and strangulation. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Irwin had been arrested on two occasions in the weeks preceding Miss Render’s murder and was subject to a prohibition on contacting her. Nevertheless, despite having secured safe accommodation, the 34-year-old Miss Render persisted in residing at Irwin’s flat. On March 22, shortly before midnight, Irwin contacted emergency services (999), stating his belief that Miss Render had died. Paramedics discovered her unresponsive amidst blood-soaked bedding, and a doctor subsequently pronounced her deceased. Iain Simkin KC, prosecuting, stated: “The severe force which caused the injury led to almost immediate bleeding and Miss Render bled to death inside this defendant’s home.” He further added: “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 a text message sent to Irwin, Miss Render had written: “If you did love me, you wouldn’t hurt me again and again and again.” Victim impact statements disclosed that she was a mother of seven children, who are now being cared for by her family, and was also a sister, a loving auntie, niece, and cousin. Her mother, Hazel Marginson, expressed: “No parent should ever have to go through this.” Marginson continued: “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.” She concluded: “The heartbreak is unbearable.” Peter Glenser KC, representing Irwin in mitigation, stated that his client had not intended to cause Miss Render’s death and was “truly remorseful.” Mrs Justice Foster, acknowledging that the attack was not premeditated, imposed a mandatory life sentence, stipulating that Irwin must complete a minimum term of 32 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Addressing Irwin, Mrs Justice Foster remarked: “She was an extremely vulnerable woman and your treatment of her increased that vulnerability.” The judge added: “Your history of attacks while drunk reveals a cycle of alcohol, violence, regret.” She further stated: “Her appalling injuries were caused by your actions. Only you know the full detail of what happened in that flat.” Irwin, who also confessed to sexually assaulting Miss Render, is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. The Crown Prosecution Service has issued an apology to Miss Render’s family, acknowledging that Irwin could have faced charges and imprisonment for previous offenses.