Man appears in court charged with murder of pregnant mother

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery.

Ms Montgomery, 27, who was heavily pregnant with her third child, was found seriously injured inside her home in Donaghadee, County Down, on Saturday before being pronounced dead.

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

He stood in the dock at Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where a detective chief inspector told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.

No bail application was made on his behalf.

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

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 Sarah's 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.