A 29-year-old Belfast man has admitted murdering his pregnant partner in her Donaghadee home and causing the death of their unborn son. Zak Hughes, from Ardglen Place in Belfast, pleaded guilty at Belfast Crown Court on Friday to murdering 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery and to wilfully destroying the life of a child capable of being born alive.

Ms Montgomery, a mother of two, was killed at her Elmfield Walk home on June 27, 2025. The attack also resulted in the death of her unborn child. Hughes appeared in court flanked by prison officers as members of Ms Montgomery’s family looked on from the public gallery.

Madam Justice McBride told Hughes that his guilty pleas left her with no option but to impose a life sentence. A tariff hearing to determine the minimum term has been set for September 11, 2026. The court heard that victim impact statements are anticipated from Ms Montgomery’s family and that a presentence report will be prepared for the defence.

North Down MLA Peter Martin welcomed the guilty pleas, noting that they spare the family the additional trauma of a lengthy trial. He described the case as a stark reminder of the need to address violence against women and girls.