Hundreds of mourners come together for vigil of 'murdered' pregnant mother, 27, after man appears in court over her death and 'child destruction'
Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found found dead in a residential property in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland on Saturday afternoon.
On Tuesday, Zak Hughes, 28, was charged with the murder of the mother-of-two, as well as 'child destruction', and he appeared at Newtownards Magistrates' Court today.
Just hours later, a large crowd came together at Donaghadee's resource centre to remember the life of the victim, before walking the short distance to the Elmfield Walk home where her body was discovered.
During a moving afternoon, some carried flowers or candles as the vigil travelled across town.
Ainsley White became emotional as she addressed the crowd about her best friend.
She described Ms Montgomery as a 'mother, a sister, a granddaughter, a friend'.
She added: 'To Sarah, family meant everything. Her two little girls meant absolutely everything to her.
'Sarah was the best mummy and she couldn't wait to make her family complete with her little boy. I hope Sarah knew how much she was loved.
'I don't have the words to describe Sarah as a friend, I was honoured to call her my best friend and my sister at the same time.
'She never failed to put a smile on your face. She was a girl's girl, she had your back.'
Ms White said: 'It is an absolutely cruel world that we live in. Sarah was just the best ever.
'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. Just know your girls are going to be the most protected kids in this world.'
The crowd observed a minute's silence before breaking into applause.
Dozens of people then queued to leave flowers at Ms Montgomery's home.
Among those who attended the vigil were members of the family of Natalie McNally, a pregnant woman killed in Lurgan in December 2022.
Dressed in a grey tracksuit, Hughes stood in the dock today and nodded when asked if he understood the charges.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (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. The date of the alleged offences given on court papers was June 27.
District Judge Conor Heaney remanded Hughes in custody until July 30.
A woman, 42, who was arrested in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released unconditionally on Tuesday.
In the days after her death, the local community has seen an outpouring of grief towards Ms Montgomery.
Revd Ian R Gamble and Revd Kathy Couchman of Donaghadee Parish Church, who had a 'strong connection' with the family, said they were 'deeply saddened', adding that they would miss her at their Mums & Tots group.
A GoFundMe has raised more than £40,000to help her daughters, calling the mother 'a popular girl who would never pass you without a smile or a chat'.
Officers were called to the home at 2.15pm after receiving reports of an unconscious female with a serious injury.
Paramedics were unable to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The church statement said: 'The tragic nature of Sarah's death, compounded with the loss of her unborn child, can only add to the immense sense of grief that her family and friends will be feeling.
'Sarah was a very loving daughter to her late parents, a caring and devoted mother to her own children and a great support to her brothers and elderly grandparents.
'May God grant to Sarah's family, close friends and our Donaghadee community his unfailing love.'
And the fundraiser, which was organised by 'local girl' Joanne Courtney, said that 'The events of this weekend have brought the community and indeed a wider circle to its devastated knees.'
She continued: 'The children adored their mummy but have now been robbed of the nurture and love to guide them as they grow into young women.
'They will never get to know their unborn baby brother whose life was also cut short in this tragic incident.'
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