Mum 'trapped in violent relationship with killer'

Tiffany Render had reported other alleged assaults by Paul Irwin, Carlisle Crown Court heard

A woman bled to death after a man she was trapped in an "aggressive" relationship with sexually assaulted her, a court has heard.

Paramedics found Tiffany Render, 34, surrounded by blood-soaked bedding at Paul Irwin's flat in George Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria, on 22 March.

Mr Irwin, her partner during the previous 16 months, denies 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".

Mr Irwin, 50, had called the ambulance service stating he believed that Miss Render was dead, the court heard.

A pathologist concluded she died of a massive haemorrhage.

'Full control of life'

At the time of Miss Render's death, Mr Irwin was subject to a suspended prison sentence for a violent assault where he hit her repeatedly with a rolling pin, slapped her face and strangled her, the court was told.

Since 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 telling her what she could and could not eat.

In early March, Mr Irwin was arrested and bailed with conditions not to contact Miss Render nor approach George Street. But, the court heard, he did get in touch and threatened her.

Mr Simkin told the court Miss Render had told the police she was "absolutely terrified" to leave her home and was considering security measures to protect her from a potential attack.

"She later moved into supported accommodation," he added.

Mr Irwin had insisted that contact between the pair was consensual, the court heard.

It was anticipated he would claim that her death was "an accidental result of sexual activity".

The trial, which is expected to last about two weeks, continues.