University student jailed for life after stabbing housemate to death in rent row

A university student who ambushed his housemate and stabbed him to death in a row over rent has been jailed for life.

Jack Coughlan, 23, dressed in all black and wore a mask as he stabbed Jamie Collins, 21, 30 times in the garden of their home in Filton, South Gloucestershire.

Coughlan cycled off after the ‘carefully planned and cold-blooded execution’, disposing of his bloodstained clothes while his former friend lay dying in an alleyway.

He was sentenced today to a minimum term of 28 years after he changed his plea to guilty on Tuesday at Bristol Crown Court.

Coughlan had called police eight hours after the murder and pretended he had just found Collins at the bottom of the garden and did not know what happened to him.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Edgeworth said: ‘Zack Coughlan repeatedly lied in order to protect himself and finally admitted his guilt yesterday after months of denial.

‘He has received a life sentence for the ferocious murder he committed and will serve a minimum of 28 years behind bars.

‘The court proceedings may have concluded today, but it’s important to recognize the pain Jamie’s family and friends have experienced does not sadly magically disappear.

‘They are a wonderful family and have shown incredible courage and dignity across the past six months, both during our investigation and sat in court every day too.

‘The trial has heard a lot of distressing evidence about Jamie’s final days. I hope that going forward people remember Jamie for the young man he was – a bright young student, who was loved by all who were lucky to know him.

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