Student on Trial for Murder of Housemate, CCTV Footage Presented
Zack Coughlan denies murder, admitting manslaughter, in the fatal stabbing of Jamie Collins.
Jurors at Bristol Crown Court were shown CCTV footage allegedly depicting the moment university student Jamie Collins was fatally stabbed in his garden. The prosecution contends that Zack Coughlan, Collins' housemate, carried out a "carefully planned and cold-blooded execution" on April 8. Coughlan, 23, admits to killing Collins, 21, but denies murder, claiming he lost control and acted in fear for his life.
The court heard that both Collins and Coughlan were final-year robotics students at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and lived together in a house owned by Coughlan in Filton, South Gloucestershire. The fatal attack occurred shortly before 6 p.m. in the garden of their shared home. CCTV footage presented to the jury shows Collins arriving on his bicycle moments before the alleged stabbing.
According to prosecutors, disagreements had previously arisen between the housemates over rent payments, with Collins alleging Coughlan was charging too much. These disputes were reportedly resolved.
After the alleged attack, Coughlan is said to have left Collins to die in the alleyway, cycling away on Collins' bicycle while dressed in black and wearing a mask. The prosecution stated that Coughlan then discarded the bicycle at a retail park, purchased new clothes, and disposed of his bloodstained attire in a pond.
Later that evening, around 9 p.m., Coughlan reportedly returned to the house, which was equipped with three CCTV cameras. Just before 1 a.m. on April 9, footage shows Coughlan entering the garden with a torch, where Collins was seen lying on the ground. Coughlan contacted the police shortly after, reporting that his friend had been stabbed.
Prosecutor Adam Vaitilingam KC told the jury that Coughlan initially cooperated with police and showed them the CCTV footage of the incident. However, an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police uncovered evidence that led to Coughlan's arrest and subsequent charge of murder.
Vaitilingam argued that Coughlan's actions before and after the killing demonstrated he was in control, citing his movements, disposal of clothes, and attempts to deceive the police. The defense is expected to argue that Coughlan acted in a state of fear and lost self-control.
Coughlan has pleaded not guilty to murder. The trial is ongoing.