The lawyer told District Judge Natasha Fitzsimmons, that “just for the benefit of everyone, the defendant does not dispute that he is responsible for what occurred.”
During a brief update in the case against Zak Hughes, a prosecuting lawyer told Newtownards Magistrates Court that while the findings of forensics examinations is due in November, he had no specific date for their receipt.
While the prosecutor applied for a four-week adjournment, Hughes’ defence solicitor said he was “a little concerned” at delays in the case.
The lawyer told District Judge Natasha Fitzsimmons, that “just for the benefit of everyone, the defendant does not dispute that he is responsible for what occurred.”
“He made that case at interview and this case obviously, impacts on families,” said the solicitor, submitting that given the background and the context, the case “should get the utmost priority.”
Zak Hughes (left) is accused of killing Sarah Montgomery (right) in Co Down in June
News in 90 Seconds, Wednesday, October 22
Hughes, 28, from Ardglen Place in Belfast but currently on remand in HMP Maghaberry, is charged with the murder of Sarah Montgomery on 27 June this year and with destruction of her unborn child on the same date.
The rarely seen charge discloses that “with intent to destroy the life of a child capable of being born alive, by a wilful act caused a child to die before it had an existence independent of its mother.”
Sarah, a 27-year-old mum to two daughters and who was heavily pregnant at the time of her death, was pronounced dead at her home on Elmfield Walk in Donaghadee that Saturday afternoon.
Hughes was arrested within hours of her body being found and although none of the background facts have been opened in court, a Detective Chief Inspector has given evidence that he believes he can connect Hughes to both of the offences.
Before any case can be returned to the Crown Court, the court has to be satisfied there is sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case and that can be done either by prosecution submissions or defence concessions.
In court today, Hughes’ solicitor said the “sad fact is that if this was in England or Wales, this case would be in the Crown Court already, and potentially dealt with.”
Hughes was not present at court but Judge Fitzsimmons authorised his continued remand in custody.
Adjourning the case to 5 November, she suggested that “if it’s the case that admissions have been made,” there may be no requirement for the case to remain in the petty sessions fir any longer than is necessary.
“It is something for the prosecution to consider whether the case can proceed on the full admissions,” Judge Fitzsimmons told the court.