Zack Coughlan initially denied murdering his housemate, but today changed his plea, as our West of England Reporter Sangita Lal heard at Bristol Crown Court.
Warning: this report contains upsetting details and footage of the attack.
In a silent courtroom, as keys rattle from the dock, Jamie's parents turn around to look at the young man who killed their son.
On April 8 2026, Jamie Collins was stabbed 30 times in the neck and chest by his friend and landlord, Zack Coughlan, who left him dying in the alleyway as he cycled away.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCoughlan was dressed all in black and wore a mask and gloves to ambush 21-year-old Jamie in the garden of their home in Filton, South Gloucestershire.
The 23-year-old originally pleaded not guilty to murder, and his defence fought a case for manslaughter.
Finally, after a week-long trial, just before the jury were due to consider their verdict, Coughlan admitted he murdered his friend Jamie.
Jamie Collins was described by his family as "a bright, kind, gentle and unassuming young man with his whole life ahead of him". Credit: PA
During the trial, I sat in court as Jamie's friends gave evidence against Coughlan.
Fraser Stone was part of Jamie and Coughlan's friendship group. After Jamie was killed, Fraser met with Coughlan on campus in Bristol at the University of the West of England. At this time, Zack was not considered a suspect.
AdvertisementAdvertisementFraser told the court they spoke about how they felt after Jamie's death. He said they met for about an hour and then when he was leaving, Coughlan called out for him and walked over to get another hug before leaving.
Fraser told the court how Jamie told him Coughlan was sometimes controlling and would dictate when they could have dinner. As he said this, I saw Coughlan shake his head as if to disagree with what was being described.
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After Fraser, another friend was called in. Alex Henderson became friends with Jamie during their foundation year at University. It was clear he was nervous, but he told the court it was his duty to speak for his friend.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAs Alex shared details with the court, he said it all felt like a lot. As he took a few moments to catch his breath, Jamie's mother turned to look at Coughlan.
It felt like she was looking at him as if to highlight the pain he was putting everyone through.
Alex told the court Jamie was "progressive, he was supportive and understanding. He would never hold a grudge."
Jamie's family and friends listened to court proceedings with so much dignity. As the Judge reiterated the injuries Jamie sustained, his mother dropped her head and cried.
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