Man appears in court charged with murder of pregnant mother

Hundreds of people turned out for a vigil in memory of a mother-of-two who died at her home in Donaghadee, County Down, on Saturday.

Sarah Montgomery, 27, who was heavily pregnant with her third child, was found seriously injured before being pronounced dead at her home.

A man appeared in Newtownards Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with her murder.

Zak Hughes, 28, from Ardglen Place in north Belfast, is also charged with child destruction.

No bail application was made on his behalf.

District Judge Conor Heaney confirmed the case would come before the court again on 30 July.

The crowds of people gathered at the resource centre in Donaghadee for a short walk to Sarahs home at Elmfield Walk.

A minute silence was held outside the property.

The vigil was organised by North Down Womens Aid.

Joanne Courtney said Wednesday evenings vigil showed there is "great support for the family".

She said it was "amazing" to see so many people turn up.

"It shows you the support behind Womans Aid and whats happening here today."

Ms Courtney said the victim was "loved".

"She would never walk past you without smiling," she added.

"In the months and years to come we will still be there for them".

Maxine Porter is from Donaghadee and said the community felt it was their "duty" to come out and show their support for Sarah and for her family.

She said the community feels "devastated".

"In times like this our community rallies around those in difficult circumstances."

She said she had spoken to Sarahs grandfather earlier on Wednesday and that he was "very keen" to let everyone know he had been carried by the support shown.

Aimee Roleston went to school with Sarah and said she was glad so many people attended the vigil.

"Its just amazing and I hope one day when the girls are old enough they can see this," she said.

"Im just trying to think of how kind she was, and what an amazing mum she was and the support [she gave] to her brothers and her granny."

About 50 people also gathered for a vigil in Guildhall Square in Londonderry on Wednesday evening to remember Sarah.

Ciara OConnor-Pozo said she is heartbroken for Sarah and her family and added that it was important for her and others to come and pay their respects to "yet another woman who tragically lost her life".

She noted that this is not the first time she has attended a rally in this very spot following the tragic death of a young woman-and sadly, she does not believe it will be the last.

"I wanted to come today to show my support for Sarahs family."

"My heart is broken for that poor girl, her two daughters, and her unborn child."

Several flowers were laid near the steps of the Guildhall, beside the words Sarah Montgomery RIP written in chalk, in her memory.

Cara Gilliland says Sarahs death is a tragic event, and that it is important both women- and especially men -attend these rallies to call for urgent action.

"Sarahs death is, sadly, another reminder that women here are not safe, and its just so scary," she said.

"How many more rallies like this do there need to be?"

"We, as a society, need to see changes right across the board-culturally and socially-we need better education for one thing."

"I sadly dont think our politicians have the answer."

Over the past few days tributes have been paid to Ms Montgomery.

Donaghadee Primary School described their former pupil as "the most supportive and loving mum to her two wonderful daughters".

The school said she was "a much loved past pupil" and offered its "heartfelt thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to Sarahs family at this very sad time".

Donaghadee Community Association said Donaghadee "is a very close and deeply caring community, and we know everyone will be feeling very shocked".

"We encourage everyone to support one another in the days ahead."

Donaghadee Parish Church said its clergy and congregation were "deeply saddened" by the death of Ms Montgomery.