Belfast Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Brutal Femicide of Pregnant Partner
Zak Hughes received a 20-year prison term for the murder of Sarah Montgomery and her unborn child.
1The Tragic Murder Case
Zak Hughes, 29, was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years for the murder of his pregnant partner, Sarah Montgomery, in June 2025. The 27-year-old mother of two was 32 weeks pregnant when she was killed in her Donaghadee home. Hughes also received a concurrent 20-year sentence for child destruction.
2Savage and Sustained Attack
Judge Madam Justice McBride described the crime as a brutal, savage, and sustained assault. Hughes struck Ms. Montgomery at least 59 times during a 19-minute attack. The victim, who had two young daughters with Hughes, was killed after confronting him about his lies regarding his other pregnant fiancée’s pregnancy status.
3Deceptive Post-Murder Actions
Following the murder, Hughes attempted to cover his tracks by disposing of evidence. He stopped at a shopping centre to buy new clothes, changed in public toilets, and discarded the victim’s mobile phone and house keys. He even attended his fiancée’s baby shower the following day while hiding his horrific crime.
4Evidence of Cold-Blooded Intent
The prosecution highlighted the calculated nature of the assault, noting that Hughes used a water bottle as a weapon. Ms. Montgomery had previously gifted him this bottle for Father's Day. The victim recorded the attack on her mobile phone, capturing her final moments of screaming before her life was cruelly taken.
5Impact on Surviving Children
The court emphasized the devastating long-term impact on the couple’s two young daughters. These children must now grow up knowing their own father murdered their mother. The judge noted that the victim was a devoted sister and granddaughter, leaving behind a grieving family who will never recover from this immense loss.
6Judicial Stance on Femicide
Judge McBride condemned the act as part of a long line of femicides in the jurisdiction. She stated that the public was rightly outraged by the brutality of the case. During sentencing, the court drew comparisons to the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally, highlighting domestic violence as a critical societal issue.
7Investigation and Accountability
Despite initial denials, Hughes eventually pleaded guilty following a thorough investigation by the PSNI. Detective Sergeant Jennifer Stevenson confirmed that the victim was found unresponsive by her grandfather the day after the attack. Hughes, a personal trainer, was held accountable for his actions after the evidence proved his direct involvement.
8Reflecting on Domestic Violence
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in domestic abuse. The court recognized the defendant's guilty plea as a mitigating factor but ultimately prioritized the severity of the double homicide. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for greater protection for vulnerable women facing domestic violence threats today.