Murder-accused admits manslaughter of mum

Tiffany Render from Whitehaven, in west Cumbria, died in March

A man accused of murdering his on-off partner has admitted the lesser charge of manslaughter after giving evidence to a jury.

Paul Irwin, 50, denies the murder of 34-year-old Tiffany Render on 22 March.

He also denies a sexual assault upon her on the same date.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Miss Render bled to death at Irwin’s flat at George Street in Whitehaven, Cumbria, after both had consumed alcohol and cocaine.

Police called to the address found the bedroom, bathroom and living room all "bloodstained".

'Multiple repeated blows'

The prosecution allege Miss Render died after Irwin carried out a violent sexual assault on her.

It is alleged over many months she was "trapped inside an aggressive, violent and controlling relationship" with Irwin.

He had previously received a suspended prison sentence for repeatedly striking her with a wooden rolling pin last July.

A pathologist concluded Miss Render, a mother, was subjected to "severe force".

"Multiple" and "repeated blows" were the most likely explanation for injuries which, the doctor said, were so severe she probably would have collapsed within 20 minutes and died inside an hour.

'Cycle of violence'

Giving evidence, Irwin maintained Miss Render’s death was accidental.

He denied being responsible for a "cycle of violence" towards her and insisted he had not murdered her.

The defendant admitted taking up to 10 lines of cocaine in the hours before Miss Render’s death.

He spoke of her bleeding from an injury, but denied any suggestion that she "would have been in agony" at the time.

They fell asleep, he said, before he woke to find Miss Render dead.

After the cross-examination, Irwin pleaded guilty to a new charge of manslaughter, admitting he unlawfully killed Miss Render.

That is not deemed a suitable resolution by the prosecution, who are pressing ahead on the murder and sexual assault charges which the defendant denies.

The trial continues.