Sarah Montgomery: Zak Hughes sentenced over 'callous and deceitful' murder of pregnant mother-of-two
A 29-year-old man has been told he must serve a minimum of 20 years in prison for the murder of Sarah Montgomery and the death of her unborn child.
Zak Hughes appeared before Belfast Crown Court today.
Sarah, 27-years-old, was murdered in Donaghadee in June 2025.
The 29-year-old defendant was given a life sentence in June 2026 after pleading guilty to the murder of Sarah, with whom he had been in a relationship. At that time, he also pleaded guilty to child destruction.
Detective Sergeant Jennifer Stevenson said: “Sarah Montgomery was a loving mother of two young children and was 32 weeks pregnant with her third child when she was murdered in her Donaghadee home on Friday 27 June in 2025.
“She was found unresponsive the following day and, sadly, pronounced dead at the scene.
“This young woman had been subjected to a sustained and brutal assault".
Detective Sergeant Stevenson added: “Sarah, who was just 27 years old, had everything to live for. Much loved, she was at the heart of a caring family, whose lives will never be the same again. Friends, neighbours and indeed an entire community have all been touched by loss, sadness and shock.
“The brutality of the defendant’s actions was matched by his callousness and deceit.
"After fatally assaulting Sarah, Hughes stopped at a shopping centre, where he bought new clothes and shoes, and changed in public toilets.
“He then made another stop to dispose of various items of evidence, along with Sarah’s mobile and house keys, before returning home.
“Despite his initial denial, thanks to our investigation, in which we worked closely with colleagues in the Public Prosecution Service, Hughes finally admitted his guilt.
“Today, Zak Hughes has been held accountable, and will now face the consequences of his actions.”
The detective added: “Sarah’s death, which attracted widespread condemnation, is a totally distressing case of domestic homicide.
“We know that abuse can take many forms, including emotional and physical abuse, and can affect anyone. Tragically, in this case, a shocking act of violence has taken the life of a young mother.
“I am keen to encourage anyone who has been a victim, or who has concerns, to please speak to us.”
She added: “A loving family have been left with unimaginable and endless heartache.
"Understandably, they have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.
“As we leave court today, my thoughts remain with them.”