Zak Hughes also admitted a charge of causing the destruction of her unborn child
A 29-year old man was handed a life sentence today after he admitted murdering his pregnant partner Sarah Montgomery in her Donaghadee home.
Zak Hughes also admitted a charge of causing the destruction of her unborn child.
The 27-year old mother-of-two was killed in her Elmfield Walk home on June 27, 2025. As a result of the fatal attack, her unborn son did not survive.
As Ms Montgomery’s loved ones sat in the public gallery of Belfast Crown Court, Hughes appeared in the dock flanked by two prison officers.
His solicitor David Jones addressed Madam Justice McBride and said that whilst this was a case affected by the current withdrawal of services, the arraignment could go ahead.
Mr Jones added: “The accused is aware of the consequences of the action he is about to take and the arraignment can proceed, My Lady.”
From Ardglen Place in Belfast, Hughes was asked to stand by a court clerk who then charged him with the murder of Ms Montgomery.
When asked how he pleaded to the charge, Hughes replied “guilty.”
Hughes was then charged with ‘intent to destroy the life of a child capable of being born alive by a wilful act, caused a child to die before it had an existence independent of its mother’ on the same date.
To his second charge, Hughes again replied “guilty.”
Following this, Hughes was addressed by Madam Justice McBride who told him: “In light of the pleas there is only one sentence of imprisonment that I can impose and that is one of life imprisonment.
“Before I can set a Tariff, you may wish to have some further evidence and reports.”
Crown barrister Geraldine McCullough KC then told Madam Justice McBride she anticipated there will be Victim Impact Statements from Ms Montgomery’s family.
Regarding the defence, Mr Jones said he would be seeking a Pre Sentence Report on Hughes.
Madam Justice McBride then set the date for the Tariff hearing as Friday September 11, 2026.
Following this, Hughes was then handcuffed and led from the dock and back into custody at HMP Maghaberry.
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