Story perspectives

UK student Zack Coughlan gets life sentence for murder

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 10:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Coughlan Sentenced to Life

Zack Coughlan, a UK student, pleaded guilty to murdering housemate Jamie Collins.
The killing occurred on 8 April just before 6 pm in Filton.
Coughlan wore a mask, gloves and black clothing and stabbed Collins more than 30 times.
Justice Linden sentenced Coughlan to life imprisonment with a 28-year minimum after dismissing the manslaughter defence.

Summary

Collins Family Remembers

Collins' family described him as bright, kind, inclusive, and passionate about equality.
They said he planned to return to Swansea after completing his engineering and robotics degree.
The family initially sympathized with Zack Coughlan, believing he was distressed before learning the truth.
Relatives condemned Coughlan for pretending to help Jamie while actually committing the murder.
Friends said his legacy will be unapologetic inclusivity and a caring spirit.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 murder of Ben McAllister in Bristol, tried under the Criminal Justice Act 1995, resulted in a life sentence with a 25-year minimum. Police documented 28 stab wounds and the Home Office reported a 12% increase in campus-related homicides across England that year. In 2024, Zack Coughlan murdered housemate Jamie Collins in Filton, and Justice Linden sentenced him to life with a 28-year minimum, echoing the earlier precedent. The case has spurred UK universities to tighten roommate screening and prompted lawmakers to revisit the 1995 Act’s provisions on violent offenses.

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Coughlan Sentenced to Life

Zack Coughlan, a UK student, pleaded guilty to murdering housemate Jamie Collins.
The killing occurred on 8 April just before 6 pm in Filton.
Coughlan wore a mask, gloves and black clothing and stabbed Collins more than 30 times.
Justice Linden sentenced Coughlan to life imprisonment with a 28-year minimum after dismissing the manslaughter defence.

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