Man sentenced to minimum of 20 years in prison for murder of former partner

Publication date:

A man has been sentenced to a minimum tariff of 20 years imprisonment for the murder of Sarah Montgomery and child destruction in relation to her unborn child last year. 

Sarah was attacked in her home in Donaghadee, Co Down, on 27th June 2025. The 27-year-old mother of two was eight months pregnant at the time of her death. Her unborn child, a baby boy, died as a result of the attack.  

Zak Hughes (29) was charged with murder and child destruction and pleaded guilty in June 2026. Today at Belfast Crown Court, Hughes was told he will spend 20 years in prison for murder and child destruction. 

Head of the PPS Serious Crime Unit Catherine Kierans said: 

“Today, I want to remember Sarah. I’m thinking of the woman who hundreds of people gathered to mourn at vigils after her death. I’m thinking of the woman who looked after her siblings after she lost her own parents at a young age. I’m thinking of the woman who was a loving mother to her two young children, and who was looking forward to a welcoming her baby boy. 

“I want to pay tribute to Sarah’s family and friends. A mother, a sister, a granddaughter and a niece have been taken from them in the worst circumstances. I want to thank Sarah’s family for trusting us to secure justice for Sarah. 

“I would also like to thank the police for their investigation work, which was exemplary. Hughes, Sarah’s former partner, violently attacked her and then tried to cover his tracks by disposing of evidence. The police quickly saw through this. Their work was essential to building a strong case, one which ultimately led to guilty pleas from the offender and today’s sentencing. 

“This was another horrendous case of domestic murder - another woman brutally  murdered in her own home. Domestic violence, in all forms, is despicable. I am sorry to say it is a widespread problem in Northern Ireland. So, I want to appeal to anybody who is suffering from any form of domestic violence. Talk to a trusted person. Talk to a friend. Talk to your GP or social services. Talk to the police. Help is available. 

“As prosecutors, we will work with police and victims to prosecute offenders where the evidence allows. Our prosecutors are trained to understand how complex domestic abuse can be and the impact of trauma on victims and witnesses. We will listen to you. We will treat you with respect. 

“We also work with voluntary and community sector organisations that offer support to victims throughout the criminal justice process, from reporting the crime to giving evidence in court.” 

ENDS. 

Notes to editors: 

  • The offence of child destruction is set out in Section 25 of the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1945. In order to bring this charge, a child must be of at least 28 weeks gestation. 
  • There is more information about how to report domestic abuse to police, and details of support organisations, on the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s website.
  • More information on how the PPS handles cases involving domestic abuse can be found on the Domestic Violence and Abuse page of our website and in the PPS Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Domestic Abuse.
  • For Media Enquiries during office hours (from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm) please contact the PPS Communications Unit at: PPSPressOffice@ppsni.gov.uk 
  • The out of hours duty press officer can be contacted on: 07920 271 804, 07341 800254 or 07920 418844. 

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