A man has appeared in court and formally pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Whitehaven woman Tiffany Render.
Fifty-year-old Paul Irwin was charged following an incident in Whitehaven last month. Police officers had been called to a property on George Street in the town centre at around 11-45pm on Friday, March 22.
Irwin stands accused of murdering 34-year-old Miss Render, and also faces a second charge which alleges a serious sexual assault upon her.
At Carlisle Crown Court this morning, Irwin pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to him by a court clerk.
He appeared in court over a video link from custody, short-haired and wearing a dark blue and white Fred Perry T-shirt.
During a 13-minute hearing in front of His Honour Judge Nicholas Barker, Irwin spoke first to confirm his name and then to enter the two not guilty pleas.
A jury trial has already been listed and is due to start at the crown court on November 12. It will take place in front of a High Court judge and, it is estimated, will last around 10 days.
A timetable for progression of the case in the case was outlined during today’s hearing with submissions being made both by David Traynor for the prosecution and also Brendan Burke, representing Irwin, of George Street, Whitehaven.
The case was adjourned and Irwin remains remanded in custody. A further case management hearing is due to take place at the court on September 13.
Before then, Irwin was informed by Judge Barker that he must assist his legal team with the preparation of a statement which formally sets out his defence to the allegations he denies.
