Zak Hughes, 29, has pleaded guilty to the murder of pregnant mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery, 27, in Donaghadee, Co Down, and to child destruction. The case has been described as one of the "worst cases of domestic violence in recent times" at Belfast Crown Court.
Hughes, of Ardglen Place in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast, admitted guilt earlier this year to the murder of Ms Montgomery and child destruction. During a hearing in June, Madam Justice McBride indicated that, given the pleas, the only sentence she could hand down was life imprisonment.
Attack with Father's Day gift
Among the weapons Hughes employed was a water bottle which Ms Montgomery had purchased for him as a Father's Day gift from their two children. The court heard he set upon her after she challenged him about deceiving her regarding his fiancée's pregnancy.
A recording of the attack captured her screams as he suddenly began the assault, which is estimated to have continued for 19 minutes. A post-mortem revealed at least 59 instances of blunt force trauma, confirming she died following a "sustained blunt force trauma attack".
Background and deception
The court was told Hughes, a personal trainer at a Belfast gym, and Ms Montgomery, a qualified beautician, first encountered each other while both attending Glastry College school, before beginning a relationship. This was described as having "faltered" and becoming "on and off" following the arrival of their first child.
Hughes had deceived Ms Montgomery about his fiancée losing their baby in a car crash, but she had uncovered this was untrue and messaged him that she was aware, to which he responded they would discuss it face-to-face.
Events of the murder
On Friday June 27, 2025, Hughes turned up at Ms Montgomery's flat to collect one of their children for his regular weekend visit. Inside the property he attacked Ms Montgomery in what the prosecution termed a "cold blooded, systematic, murderous attack" which continued for 19 minutes.
He then seized her mobile phone, secured the door and departed to collect their other child from a nearby primary school before heading to Belfast. He made numerous stops during his journey, including calling at Primark in Newtownards, purchasing a fresh outfit and changing clothes, discarding Ms Montgomery's phone and keys in one spot and his bloodstained garments and water bottle at another location.
The following day, her grandfather discovered her lying on her side, face down and drenched in blood. Attempts were made to resuscitate her, but she was described as cold and rigid. Hughes was apprehended on Sunday, initially denying any involvement, before eventually changing his account and confessing to his actions.
Sentencing
A defence solicitor acknowledged there is nothing they can say that could possibly mitigate this horrific case. He emphasised his client's guilty plea, and the speed with which the case has been able to proceed as a result.
Lady Justice McBride stated she will take some time to consider the submissions before setting a tariff. A review hearing is scheduled for next Friday.
