Sarah Montgomery murder: Zak Hughes jailed for 20 years

Two decades will pass before he is able to apply for parole

Before he can apply for parole, Zak Hughes will serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.

RTÉ reported that he pleaded guilty to her murder and to child destruction over the death of their unborn baby.

Ex-partner Sarah was 32 weeks pregnant when Hughes killed her at her home in June 2025.

Sarah Montgomery murder: judge condemns 'brutal attack'

On each of the murder and child destruction charges, Lady Justice McBride sentenced Hughes to a minimum of 20 years, to run concurrently.

The killing, she said, was a "brutal attack on a completely defenceless, heavily pregnant mother."

As per the prosecutors, Hughes struck her with blunt force at least 59 times.

As weapons, he used several items, which included a water bottle their children had bought him as a Father's Day present.

Hughes collected his children after the killing

Following the attack, Hughes locked the door and drove to collect his five-year-old daughter from school, then on to Belfast.

He sent Ms Montgomery's phone a photo of the two girls that night, and the next day he attended his fiancée's baby shower.

A day after Hughes killed her, her grandfather found her body.

The flat showed signs of a struggle, with blood stains throughout and a damaged door.

Who is Zak Hughes?

Zak Hughes is a personal trainer from Ardoyne in Belfast and the father of Sarah Montgomery's two children.

He pleaded guilty to her murder and to child destruction over the death of their unborn baby.

How long did Zak Hughes get for murdering Sarah Montgomery?

Zak Hughes will serve a minimum of 20 years before he can apply for parole.

Lady Justice McBride imposed 20-year sentences on each of the murder and child destruction charges.