A WHITEHAVEN man has formally denied allegations that he sexually assaulted and murdered a woman.

Paul Irwin, 50, appeared via a video link before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court, where the clerk put the two allegations to the defendant, who answered not guilty to both charges.

Those charges allege that the defendant sexually assaulted and murdered 34-year-old Tiffany Render in Whitehaven on March 22. Apart from entering his pleas, Irwin spoke only to confirm his personal details.

Wearing a black T-shirt, he sat in silence listening to the hearing as lawyers discussed aspects of the case and a timetable for the trial, which is expected to last for ten days.

The prosecution was represented by barrister David Traynor, while Irwin was represented by barrister Brendan Burke.

Judge Nicholas Barker set a timetable for certain stages in prosecution process, with a further case management hearing at the crown court scheduled for September 13.

The trial is expected to begin on November 12.

There was no application for bail and Judge Barker remanded the defendant in custody until his next court appearance in September.

The prosecution has followed an investigation which began when police officers were called to a property on George Street, Whitehaven at around 11.45pm on March 22, 2024.

When news of Miss Render’s death became public, her relatives released a statement, saying that she will be sorely missed by her whole family. "We will treasure every memory of her," the statement added.