Zak Hughes Admits Murder Of Pregnant Partner Sarah Montgomery In Donaghadee

Zak Hughes has pleaded guilty at Belfast Crown Court to murdering his pregnant partner, Sarah Montgomery, at her home in Donaghadee. Hughes also admitted causing the destruction of her unborn child. He has been handed a life sentence, with a tariff hearing set for Friday, 11 September 2026.

Man Pleads Guilty To Murder Of Sarah Montgomery

A 29-year-old man has admitted murdering his pregnant partner, Sarah Montgomery, at her home in Donaghadee.

Zak Hughes, from Ardglen Place in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Crown Court today, Friday 5 June 2026, where he pleaded guilty to the murder of the 27-year-old mother-of-two.

Ms Montgomery was killed at her Elmfield Walk home in Donaghadee on 27 June 2025. She was pregnant at the time of the fatal attack, and her unborn son did not survive.

Read more local updates in our Northern Ireland crime news section and Northern Ireland news section.

Hughes Also Admitted Causing The Destruction Of Her Unborn Child

During the hearing, Hughes was also charged with causing the destruction of Ms Montgomery’s unborn child.

The charge stated that, with intent to destroy the life of a child capable of being born alive, he caused the child to die before having an existence independent of his mother.

When asked how he pleaded to the second charge, Hughes again replied: “Guilty.”

For more updates from the courts, visit our court and crime news section.

Life Sentence Imposed At Belfast Crown Court

Following the guilty pleas, Madam Justice McBride told Hughes that there was only one sentence available for the murder conviction.

She imposed a life sentence.

However, the minimum term Hughes must serve before he can be considered for release has not yet been set.

The court heard that Victim Impact Statements are expected from Sarah Montgomery’s family. The defence also indicated that a Pre Sentence Report would be sought.

Tariff Hearing Set For September 2026

Madam Justice McBride set the tariff hearing for Friday, 11 September 2026.

At that hearing, the court will decide the minimum number of years Hughes must serve in prison before he can be considered for release.

Following today’s hearing, Hughes was handcuffed and taken from the dock. He was returned to custody at HMP Maghaberry.

Community Shock Following Sarah Montgomery’s Death

The murder of Sarah Montgomery caused deep shock in Donaghadee and across Northern Ireland.

She was a 27-year-old mother-of-two, and her unborn son also died as a result of the fatal attack.

Her family are expected to provide Victim Impact Statements ahead of the tariff hearing later this year.

You can also follow wider regional updates on our Northern Ireland Online homepage.

Support For Anyone Affected By Domestic Abuse

Anyone affected by domestic abuse, coercive control, or violence should seek support as soon as possible. Help is available across Northern Ireland.

Support services include:

• Women’s Aid Northern Ireland
• Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline Northern Ireland
• PSNI domestic abuse advice
• Victim Support NI

For more Northern Ireland court and crime updates, visit Northern Ireland Online crime news.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999.