# 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.
- Title: University robotics student jailed for 28 years after…
- Summary: University robotics student Zack Coughlan jailed for 28 years after stabbing housemate Jamie Collins 30 times over rent dispute. Zack Coughlan, 23, received…
- Keywords: zack coughlan, jamie collins, university of west of england, uwe, bristol, robotics, stabbing, rent dispute, 28 years, murder, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16226603/University-robotics-student-jailed-28-years-ambushing-housemate-stabbing-30-times-row-rent.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-21T11:48:30+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: zack coughlan, jamie collins, university of west of england, uwe, bristol, robotics, stabbing, rent dispute, 28 years, murder, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Zack Coughlan, 23, received 28-year minimum sentence for stabbing Jamie Collins, 21, 30 times in garden near Bristol over rent dispute.