From Dailymail · · 2m
University robotics student jailed for 28 years after ambushing housemate and stabbing him 30 times in row over rent
University robotics student Zack Coughlan jailed for 28 years after stabbing housemate Jamie Collins 30 times over rent dispute.
In brief
University robotics student Zack Coughlan jailed for 28 years after stabbing housemate Jamie Collins 30 times over rent dispute. Zack Coughlan, 23, received 28-year minimum sentence for stabbing Jamie Collins, 21, 30 times in garden near Bristol over rent dispute. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Zack Coughlan jailed for 28 years
Zack Coughlan, 23, received a 28-year minimum sentence after ambushing housemate Jamie Collins, 21, in garden near Bristol on April 8.
Stabbing 30 times over rent dispute
Coughlan stabbed Collins 30 times in garden after row over rent, claiming he was fearful of Collins' violent threats.
Coughlan wore mask and gloves
Coughlan dressed in black with ski mask and gloves before lying in wait for 20 minutes for Collins.
Coughlan cycled off on victim's bike
Coughlan cycled off on Collins' bike to dispose of bloodstained evidence after stabbing.
Coughlan claimed cuts from climbing trees
Coughlan claimed hand cuts were from climbing trees when police arrived eight hours later.
Coughlan played online games
Coughlan played online games while Collins' body lay in garden waiting to be discovered.
Coughlan called police eight hours later
Coughlan called police eight hours after stabbing, claiming he had just found Collins' body.
Coughlan's blood found on bike
Coughlan's blood was found on Collins' bike, and phone analysis matched his movements after stabbing.
Coughlan's evidence deemed 'excruciating'
Collins' family described Coughlan's evidence as 'excruciating' and 'full of lies'.
Collins was gentle soul
Collins was described as a gentle soul who was averse to conflict and confrontation.
Coughlan's claims of threats
Coughlan claimed Collins threatened to kill him, but judge rejected this evidence as inconsistent with Collins' character.
Coughlan's background
Coughlan grew up in Cork, Ireland, before moving to Bristol to study robotics at age 19.
Coughlan's family background
Coughlan's family history included physical violence from father and mother often working away at Apple.
Coughlan's defense
Coughlan's defense claimed he was driven to kill Collins after his left-wing views became more targeted.
Judge's comments
Judge said Coughlan's exact reasons for murder may never be known, but he was jealous of Collins' integrity and strength.
Coughlan's sentence
Coughlan received a life sentence with minimum 28 years behind bars after admitting guilt.
The big picture
Zack Coughlan, 23, received 28-year minimum sentence for stabbing Jamie Collins, 21, 30 times in garden near Bristol over rent dispute.
