POLICE say the reason why Maricel Melinte attacked and almost killed his friend may never be known.
The two men were relaxing in the garden of Melinte's Southampton home when their friendship came to a sudden and dramatic end for reasons that remain unclear.
Melinte went inside the house, saying he was going to make them both a couple of coffee.
He emerged moments later and shot Adrian Stroile in the back of his head with a crossbow, leaving him with a range of physical and mental conditions.
READ MORE: Southampton man jailed after crossbow attack on friend
Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb, who led the investigation, said the motive for the attack was still unknown.
Speaking ahead of Friday's sentencing at Winchester Crown Court he described Mr Stroile's survival as a miracle.
He added: "I can only be thankful it stopped where it did so he was able to give us his account of what happened that afternoon.
"Although thankfully he is still with us, his life has been changed forever in the space of a few seconds due to Melinte’s incomprehensible actions.
"I would like to commend his bravery throughout the court process.
"We may never know why Melinte decided to commit this awful act, but thanks to the hard work of the investigators, and the footage obtained from the camera, he will be spending a long time behind bars for this terrifying attack.
"We used all the resources at our disposal to make sure the victim got the justice he deserved."
READ MORE: Crossbow attacker 'pretended to make coffee' before shooting
Judge Susan Evans KC said Mr Stroile had "no warning whatsoever" of the attack, which she described as "vicious and determined".
James Newton-Price KC, prosecuting, said the victim was now "petrified" of his former friend.
Tim Clarke KC, defending, said Melinte had no previous convictions. Prior to the incident he had been a man of "exemplary" character.
Melinte will serve two-thirds of his 18-year sentence behind bars before being released on licence.
WATCH: The terrifying moment man shoots friend with crossbow
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