From Dailymail · · 1m 50s
University robotics student admits murder after stabbing housemate 30 times
University robotics student pleads guilty to murdering housemate in cold-blooded attack over rent dispute.
In brief
University robotics student pleads guilty to murdering housemate in cold-blooded attack over rent dispute. Zack Coughlan, 23, admitted murder after stabbing Jamie Collins, 21, 30 times in a planned attack over rent dispute. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Zack Coughlan pleads guilty
Zack Coughlan, 23, admitted murder after stabbing Jamie Collins, 21, 30 times in a planned attack over rent dispute.
Attack details
Coughlan dressed in black with mask and gloves ambushed Collins in their Filton, South Gloucestershire home garden.
Stabbing sequence
Collins was stabbed repeatedly and left dying in the alleyway as Coughlan cycled away on his housemate's bike.
CCTV evidence
The attack was caught on CCTV installed at their shared home, which Coughlan showed police officers.
Post-attack actions
Coughlan dumped the bike at a nearby retail park, bought new clothes, and threw bloodstained clothing in a pond.
Timeline of events
Coughlan returned to their home around 9pm, cooked pizza, and played online games with friends before calling 999 at 2am.
Coughlan's defense
Coughlan claimed he feared Collins would kill him and had no choice, but evidence showed he lied about his fears.
Investigation findings
Police found no evidence supporting Coughlan's claim that Collins threatened him twice and made him feel scared for his life.
Coughlan's injuries
Coughlan had injuries to his hands and claimed he fell while climbing trees, but this was inconsistent with his story.
Family statement
Collins' family described him as a bright, kind, gentle young man with his whole life ahead of him.
Coughlan's background
Coughlan, half Danish, grew up in Cork, Ireland, before moving to Bristol to study robotics at 19.
Legal outcome
Coughlan changed his plea to guilty and will be sentenced on Wednesday morning, 20 October 2026.
The essence
Zack Coughlan, 23, admitted murder after stabbing Jamie Collins, 21, 30 times in a planned attack over rent dispute.
