Man jailed for 20 years for murder of heavily pregnant mother-of-two

A man who beat to death heavily pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in her flat in Donaghadee, Co Down has been jailed for a minimum of 20 years for murder and child destruction.

Zak Hughes, 29, from Ardglen Place in Belfast, pleaded guilty earlier this year to the murder of Ms Montgomery, 27, in June 2025.

He was the father of Ms Montgomery’s two young girls and the unborn child who died in the attack.

Hughes also pleaded guilty to the murder of the unborn boy. Ms Montgomery was 32 weeks pregnant when she was killed.

The defendant was given a 20-year tariff for murder and a concurrent 20-year prison term for child destruction.

Standing in the dock wearing a white T-shirt and black glasses, Hughes showed no emotion as sentence was passed at Belfast Crown Court.

Judge Madam Justice McBride told the defendant: “You are guilty of the brutal, completely unjustified murder of a defenceless, heavily pregnant mother.

“When she confronted you with your lies and deception you relentlessly and savagely beat her to death. When she screamed out for mercy, you continued to strike her at least 59 times until you killed her and her unborn child.”

The judge said the public had been rightly outraged at the murder.

“Yet another femicide in a long line of femicides committed in this jurisdiction, your conduct has rightly invoked the abhorrence of right-thinking people,” she added.

“Sarah is not just a statistic. Everyone who knew Sarah spoke loudly of their love and support for her, and the depth of friendship that they shared with her.

“She was a much-loved 27-year-old mother of two young children, a devoted sister, a granddaughter, and a great-niece who brought much joy and happiness. Your actions have caused much serious harm and loss.”

The judge said Ms Montgomery’s children now had to “live with the devastating impact of losing their mother, knowing that their mother was murdered by you, their own father”.