logo
Hundreds attend vigil in memory of Sarah Montgomery

Hundreds attend vigil in memory of Sarah Montgomery

The 27-year-old who was around 34 weeks pregnant with a baby boy – was found dead at her home in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee on Saturday afternoon.
Yesterday, Zah Hughes (28) of Ardglen Place, Belfast, appeared at Newtownwards Magistrates Court charged with Ms Montgomery's murder and destroying the life of her unborn child.
This evening, the local community held a vigil for Ms Montgomery, in collaboration with the North Down & Ards Women's Aid group.
Beginning at 6.30pm, mourners gathered at the Donaghadee Resource Centre and walked the short distance to Ms Montgomery's home.
Attendees were encouraged to wear anything with the colour purple.
Women's Aid workers also distributed purple ribbon pins.
Ainslie White, Ms Montgomery's best friend, told the crowd that her two daughters 'will be the most protected wee girls ever'.
She also described Ms Montgomery as having "the biggest heart" and someone that "absolutely loved band season".
She asked mourners to raised a glass and think of her friend on the Twelfth next week.
"Sarah was the best mummy and she couldn't wait to make her family complete with her little boy," said Ms White.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Teen who ‘bullied and traumatised' victim he met on bus jailed for two years for false imprisonment
Teen who ‘bullied and traumatised' victim he met on bus jailed for two years for false imprisonment

Irish Times

timea day ago

  • Irish Times

Teen who ‘bullied and traumatised' victim he met on bus jailed for two years for false imprisonment

A teenager has been given two years detention for the false imprisonment of a young man. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, with other counts to be taken into consideration, at a location in Dublin on June 15th, 2023. He was aged 15 at the time of the offending and had 10 previous convictions from the Children's Court, including seven convictions for theft, one for attempted robbery, one for assault causing harm and one for production of a knife. He was also on bail at the time of this offending. Det Gda John Hayes from Blanchardstown Garda station told Stephen Montgomery BL, prosecuting, that a young man then aged 19 was travelling on a bus in the Clonsilla area of Dublin in May 2023. READ MORE Neither the accused or the victim were known to each other. The detective told the court that the accused was larger in stature than the injured party. When the victim got off the bus, he was followed by the teenager, who started a conversation with him and broke his glasses. The accused then ordered the injured party to walk to a nearby shop and instructed him to withdraw €50 from an ATM. The teenager then threatened the victim to keep this a 'secret'. The court heard that a week later, the victim was on the bus again, and the teenager sat behind him and put his hands around his neck and told him to be quiet. They got off the bus together, and the teenager took the victim's iPhone 13, worth €1,300. The teenager then added the victim as a friend on Snapchat. Det Garda Hayes told the court that the victim received a message on June 15th, 2023, from the teenager, who told him to meet him with his bank card, which he did. The teenager brought the victim to an apartment where he produced two knives and told the victim he was going to kill him and slice him. He also instructed the victim to remove his clothing, as he would have to burn it. The injured party did not take his clothes off, but his backpack was searched, and his driving licence with his address on it was taken. The court heard that the victim was then brought to his own home by the teenager, who disposed of one of the knives en route. While in the injured party's house, the teenager threatened to harm the family dog if he didn't 'put it out of the way'. The teenager searched the victim's bedroom and took a Nike tracksuit, an Under Armour top, Nike runners, a PlayStation and a camel jacket, all with a total value of €1,751. The teenager then made the victim transfer €500 from his Revolut account to one of the injured party's friends' accounts, as he did not have a Revolut bank card. He told his friend to meet him in a local shopping centre, and the defendant, the victim and the victim's friend went to multiple ATM's while withdrawing €460 in total. The teenager then left with the cash and the items taken earlier from the victim's house. Later that evening, the victim told his mother and showed her the knife left behind by the teenager. They went to the gardaí, and the victim showed them the apartment he had been taken to. CCTV footage from the shopping centre and footage from the Ring doorbell of the victim's home were obtained, and the defendant was identified. He was interviewed on two occasions. None of the money or belongings were recovered. A victim impact statement was submitted to the court and read by the prosecuting counsel. It outlined how the victim quit his job in case the teenager came back. He was also afraid that the defendant would come back to his home and described that he was in 'fear for his parents'. He said he was always 'looking over his shoulder' and said he 'can never relax on public transport'. He still has trouble sleeping. Padraig Dwyer SC, defending, said his client was forthright with the Probation Services and is apologetic, showing empathy towards the victim in his case. He stated that his client has taken responsibility for his actions and told the probation officer that he deserves a prison sentence. Counsel said his client was 15 at the time of the offending. He said that his client's parents do not condone this behaviour and are very pro-social people. He said his client 'self-reports that he has used cannabis but is now self-reporting that he is clear at present'. He said his client is expressing regret for his actions. Judge Martina Baxter noted the defendant had two knives with him and the 'brazenness' of going to the victim's home. 'It wasn't as if it was a once-off situation,' the judge said. It was clear that the 'fear and threat' were 'pervasive and real', said the judge. Judge Baxter said she had regard for his previous convictions. She said the victim was bullied and traumatised 'while going about his business'. She said a significant factor was that the accused was 15 at the time but noted he was 'back in adverse company'. 'Clearly there has to be an intervention,' said Judge Baxter. She said the aggravating factors were the effects on the victim, who is 'constantly in fear', the threats and the menace. In mitigation she took account of his age and that the Children's Act states detention is 'the last resort'. Judge Baxter imposed two years detention on him.

Funeral arrangements for wife and two kids killed in Fermanagh after husband dies
Funeral arrangements for wife and two kids killed in Fermanagh after husband dies

Sunday World

time3 days ago

  • Sunday World

Funeral arrangements for wife and two kids killed in Fermanagh after husband dies

Those attending the funerals of Vanessa Whyte and her teenage son James Rutledge (14) and daughter Sara Rutledge (13) in Barefield on Saturday have been asked to wear bright colours Vanessa Whyte with her son James Rutledge and daughter Sara Rutledge Vanessa Whyte and her two children who were shot dead in Co Fermanagh last week are to be buried together in her home town in Co Clare. Those attending the funerals of 45-year-old Ms Whyte and her teenage son James Rutledge (14) and daughter Sara Rutledge (13) in Barefield on Saturday have been asked to wear bright colours at the service. It follows the death of the only suspect in the murder investigation into the fatal shootings at a property in the Drummeer Road in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning. Ian Rutledge (42) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as a result of gun wounds. In a social media post, the funeral directors said Vanessa was a 'devoted mother, a loving and beloved daughter and sister and a loving and beloved daughter-in-law and sister-in-law'. It adds that James was a "much-loved son, brother, and grandson" and Sara "was a dearly loved daughter, sister, and granddaughter". Vanessa Whyte with her son James Rutledge and daughter Sara Rutledge News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, July 29 A service of removal will take place in St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge tomorrow morning. Ms Whyte and her children will lie in repose in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield on Friday before funeral mass on Saturday. They will then be buried together in Templemaley Cemetery. People have been asked to make donations to Women's Aid. Vanessa and Sara were found dead in their Maguiresbridge home last Wednesday morning. James was taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, but died from his injuries later that day. Mr Rutledge had been in critical care since the shooting. A PSNI statement issued on Monday evening said: 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a fourth person has now died following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.' The statement added: 'Ian Rutledge was taken to hospital on Wednesday 23 July, where he remained in a serious condition. He passed away this evening, 28 July.' Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Sources had previously said Rutledge had been experiencing depression and that his vision was deteriorating due to an underlying illness. It is understood that Rutledge had returned to live at the family home in Maguiresbridge, having previously moved out following the end of a relationship several years earlier. It is understood the 999 emergency call from the Drummeer Road residence on Wednesday morning was made from the phone of 13-year-old Sara. Police have not yet confirmed who made the call, as the line remained silent during the emergency communication shortly before 8am. However, the call handler was able to hear activity in the background, prompting the alert. Attempts to return the call went unanswered. Emergency services arrived at the house shortly before 8.30am. Police described the scene inside the house as 'harrowing'. A vigil was held for the three deceased family members on Friday, at Maguiresbridge Primary School, which James and Sara were both previous pupils of. A special prayer service also took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, Co Clare – Ms Whyte's home village - on Sunday evening at 7pm. Books of condolences have been opened at both the church and at Maguiresbridge Primary School. Earlier on Sunday, a minute's silence was held for Vanessa, Sara and James, just moments before throw-in at the All Ireland senior football final between the Donegal and Kerry men's teams. Text on the screen at Croke Park read: 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha' – which translates from Irish into English as: 'May their souls be seated on God's right hand.' It is understood the agricultural contractor is the only suspect in the shooting of his family. Last week, police had said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry.

Young footballer from Armagh in critical condition after road crash
Young footballer from Armagh in critical condition after road crash

Irish Independent

time15-07-2025

  • Irish Independent

Young footballer from Armagh in critical condition after road crash

Aaron Moffett (38) was involved in a collision near Markethill while making his way back from the Twelfth celebrations in Keady on Saturday. The crash happened on the Coolmillish Road at around 4.30pm. The former Dollingstown FC captain and club stalwart, who is from the Knocknamuckley area, remains in critical condition. Dollingstown chairperson, Hubert Watson, said Aaron has been with the club for 18 years and is loved and admired by everyone. 'Thirteen years as club captain club and then once he retired he became the club's secretary,' he said. "Throughout his playing career he lifted 14 or 15 trophies for the club and he has been a leader both on and off the pitch. "Everyone associated with the club has been shocked by this terrible tragedy, all we can do now is hope and pray for a miracle.' Mr Watson said many people in the local community have been reaching out to show support for Aaron which has been 'unbelievable'. "My phone has been going non stop with players, members of the club, former players, players from other clubs, it just show the extent of his character and the respect people have for him,' he said. "I've been getting phone calls from across the country, Newry, Armagh, Coleraine, Sligo, right across the island- people just offering the their support and prayers.' Mr Watson has visited Aaron in hospital following the crash. "It's the least I could do as the club chairperson, I spoke to his mother and father, we are praying for a miracle but it's really a day by day thing at the minute. He is in an induce coma until the swelling goes down and then the surgeons are going to see what they can do.' DUP MLA, Jonathan Buckley, also offered his support to Aaron's family. "Many of you will have heard that Aaron was involved in an accident on the 12th July. "He continues to be treated in hospital as he fights for his life and our prayers are very much with Aaron and the wider Moffett and Robinson family at this time.' Aaron's former team Loughgall FC has also expressed support for the retired footballer online. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with former player Aaron Moffett who remains in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital following an accident on 12th July," it said 'Please everyone keep Aaron and his family in your prayers at this time of need hoping he makes a full recovery 'Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.' Meanwhile Portadown FC has also offered prayers to Aaron's family, including his wife Lindsay. 'Everyone at Portadown Football Club wish to pass on their thoughts & prayers to Aaron Moffett who is currently in hospital following an accident,' the club said. 'Aaron has strong connections to the club through his brother in law, Chris Wright and also as Portadown were the opposition for his testimonial game against Dollingstown in 2021. 'We send our love and support to Lindsay and all of the family circle.' PSNI Roads Policing Inspector Cherith Adair said: 'Detectives are conducting enquiries after a male passenger sustained serious injuries following an incident involving a vehicle shortly after 4.30pm on Saturday, July 12. 'One man has been cautioned. 'Our investigation is ongoing, as we work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. 'We would appeal to anyone who has information which might assist, or any dash cam or mobile phone footage, to contact 101, and quote reference number 1461 of 12/07/25.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store