Robotics Student Admits Killing Housemate, Claims Self-Defense

Zack Coughlan, 23, has admitted to killing his housemate, 21-year-old Jamie Collins, at their residence in Filton, south Gloucestershire. Coughlan has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder, asserting he acted in self-defense.

The incident occurred on April 8, when Coughlan, dressed in black with a mask and gloves, allegedly ambushed Collins as he returned home from UWE Bristol. Collins, originally from Swansea, sustained approximately 30 stab wounds and died from his injuries. CCTV footage captured the event, and Coughlan has acknowledged being the individual in the footage.

Coughlan admitted to leaving Collins' body in an alleyway for nearly eight and a half hours before contacting emergency services around 2 a.m. on April 9. He also confessed to lying to police and friends about the events that transpired. "Horrible," Coughlan stated when asked about his current feelings regarding his actions.

Coughlan, a final-year robotics student at the University of the West of England, stated that he feared for his life during an altercation with Collins. He told the court that Collins had threatened him with a knife, stating it was "disgusting to charge your friends rent" and that he was "looking forward to killing [Coughlan]." Coughlan described himself as "terrified" and sought refuge in his room, locking the door.

Prosecutors allege that the dispute stemmed from disagreements over rent. Coughlan, who purchased the house in Filton with a £300,000 loan from his mother, had initially charged his housemates £650 per month, later reducing it to £600 and then £500. He stated this money was used for property maintenance, including addressing issues with white goods, mold, and rats.

Coughlan, who grew up in Cork, Ireland, and moved to Bristol at 19, described his upbringing as difficult, citing violence from his father and an often absent mother. He told the court he was a high achiever expecting a first-class degree but felt stressed and overwhelmed in the weeks leading up to Collins' death.

According to Coughlan, he attempted to resolve the rent issue in January, dropping the rent entirely after Collins expressed anger over being charged. However, Collins reportedly remained reluctant to pay bills and spoke critically of landlords and corporations, expressing views on social inequality.

Collins was reportedly planning to move out of the shared house at the end of his studies in June. Following the stabbing, Coughlan allegedly disposed of his blood-stained clothing in a pond.

The couple's other flatmate, Charlie Latimer, testified that the three were friends who shared common interests, including studying robotics, shopping, cooking, and enjoying board games and movies. Latimer described Collins as "very Left-wing" but not typically argumentative, though he acknowledged Collins had criticized landlords and wealthy individuals. Latimer also confirmed a "slight" disagreement over rent between Collins and Coughlan occurred in late 2023 or early 2024.