A pregnant mother-of-two who was murdered in County Down was eagerly awaiting the birth of her son to complete her family, her best friend has revealed. Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found dead at her home in Elmfield Walk, Donaghadee, at the weekend.
Hundreds of people gathered for an emotional vigil in the seaside town just hours after a man appeared in court charged with her murder and child destruction. Large crowds carrying flowers and candles assembled at the town's resource centre before walking to Montgomery's home.
Best friend pays tribute
Ainsley White became emotional as she addressed the crowd about her closest friend. She described Montgomery as "a mother, a sister, a granddaughter, a friend" who lived for her family.
"To Sarah, family meant everything. Her two little girls meant absolutely everything to her," White said. "Sarah was the best mummy and she couldn't wait to make her family complete with her little boy."
'Girl's girl' remembered fondly
White struggled to find words to describe Montgomery as a friend, saying she was "honoured to call her my best friend and my sister at the same time". She told the crowd that Montgomery "never failed to put a smile on your face" and "was a girl's girl, she had your back".
"It is an absolutely cruel world that we live in. Sarah was just the best ever," White added. "Both of you are in the arms of the angels and you are both safe, I hope you both rest in peace and you are looking over us."
Minute's silence observed
The crowd observed a minute's silence before breaking into applause. Dozens of people then queued to leave flowers at Montgomery's home in a touching display of community support.
Among those attending the vigil were family members of Natalie McNally, who was pregnant when she was killed in Lurgan, County Armagh, in December 2022. Their presence highlighted the tragic pattern of violence against pregnant women in Northern Ireland.
Court appearance
Earlier in the day, Zak Hughes, 28, from Ardglen Place in Belfast, appeared at Newtownards Magistrates' Court charged with Montgomery's murder and child destruction. Dressed in a grey tracksuit, he stood in the dock and nodded when asked if he understood the charges.
A PSNI detective chief inspector told the court he could connect Hughes to the offences. No facts of the case were laid out and there was no application for bail, with the alleged offences dated 27 June.
Remanded in custody
District Judge Conor Heaney remanded Hughes in custody until 30 July. A 42-year-old woman who was arrested in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender was released unconditionally on Tuesday.
Montgomery's death has led to renewed focus on the rate of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. She was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, according to police figures.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
