A CROWN Court jury was today sworn in for the trial of a 50-year-old Whitehaven man who has denied murdering a woman and sexually assaulting her.

In the dock at the Carlisle court was Paul Irwin, accused or murdering 34-year-old Tiffany Render in Whitehaven on March 22. After the jury of ten women and two men was randomly selected, they took their oaths and affirmations.

They were then addressed by the trial judge, The Honourable Mrs Justice Foster.

She explained the trial process – how the prosecution will open the case tomorrow and the court will then hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defence.

This will by followed by the judge explaining the relevant law and then by defence and prosecution counsel delivering their closing speeches to the jury, after which the judge will summarise the evidence.

“You are the judges of the facts, and the only judges of the facts,” the Judge told the jurors. “I have no role in helping you decide the facts of this case; assessment of them is entirely for all of you.”

She warned jurors to undertake no research into the case, either individually or collectively, warning that this would be a criminal offence. They should only ever discuss the case when all 12 jurors are present.

Their discussions of the case, which is expected to last for two weeks, must remain entirely confidential and not be shared with any person outside their number, said the judge. This is to ensure verdicts are based on only the evidence presented in court.

Mrs Justice Foster added: “It may be that you will hear things you find shocking or upsetting. However, it is very important, whatever your reaction, that you remain objective and dispassionate during this trial.

“Cases are not decided by emotion; they are decided by calm, measured assessment  of the evidence, so you need to keep a cool head.. and keep an open mind as you listen to the evidence from both sides.”

Jurors were told that the case concerns events in Whitehaven, including a property at George Street in the town.

The trial will resume tomorrow [Wednesday] morning. During today’s 28-minute hearing, the defendant, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and grey tie, spoke only to confirm his identity. In earlier hearings, Irwin has given his address as George Street, Whitehaven.

The prosecutor in the case is Iain Simkin KC while the defendant is represented by Peter Glenser KC.