This is the terrifying moment a man tried to kill his friend by shooting him in the head with a crossbow.
Maricel Melinte left victim Adrian Stroie "millimetres from death" following the harrowing attack in his own back garden.
The 47-year-old was jailed for 18 years yesterday after being convicted of attempted murder at Winchester Crown Court.
READ MORE: Man jailed after crossbow attack on friend
His actions in September 2021 were recorded by a camera Mr Stroie had placed on top of a shed to film a time-lapse video.
In the footage, released by police, Melinte can be seen walking out his back door holding a black crossbow.
He then points the weapon to Mr Stroie, who is sitting on a chair looking at a screen, before shooting him at close range.
The 37-year-old managed to fight off his assailant, who was armed with a hammer, and lock him outside the house.
He then stumbled into Winchester Road before collapsing.
READ MORE: Man 'pretended to make coffee' before crossbow shooting
Mr Stroie was told he is lucky to be alive after a bolt was lodged into his skull, piercing his brain.
He was not expected to survive but neurosurgeons at University Hospital Southampton successfully carried out a difficult and dangerous operation to remove the bolt.
The court heard Melinte, of Fuschia Gardens, had deliberately invited Mr Stroie to his home on a day when he knew his wife and children would be out.
Melinte carried out the attack after pretending to go indoors to make them both a cup of coffee.
James Newton-Price KC, prosecuting, said Mr Stroie suffered from anxiety, depression, and double vision as a result of what happened.
Quoting part of his victim impact statement he said: "I'm no longer the person I was before."
Tim Clarke KC, defending, said Melinte had committed a "sudden and inexplicable act of severe violence".
Recalling evidence given at the trial Judge Susan Evans KC said Melinte had accused Mr Stroie of putting pressure on him to sell drugs but said she thought it was "rather the other way round".
She added: "Nothing that happened between you and Mr Stroie could excuse your subsequent actions."
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