Overview

• A 28-year-old man charged with murder and child destruction of Sarah Montgomery appeared at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing.
• A 42-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released unconditionally and police confirm no other suspects are being sought.
• Hundreds of residents held a vigil in Donaghadee, laying floral tributes and candles at the Elmfield Walk home where Montgomery was found.
• Sarah Montgomery’s death marked the 27th adult female homicide in Northern Ireland since 2020, prompting MLAs to call for tougher sentencing and stronger coordination to combat gender-based violence.
• Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips appealed for CCTV, dashcam or phone footage, particularly relating to a yellow Jeep Avenger seen near Belfast Harbour, to advance the investigation.