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This shocking CCTV shows the moment an enraged driver "lost it" and ploughed into a group of friends outside a nightclub.

The revellers were standing on a pavement outside deciding where to continue their party when they were mown down like skittles in a bowling alley by Mahibur Rahman.

A court heard Rahman couldn't get past the group, who had spilled out on to the road, and hit the accelerator smashing into seven people throwing them across the bonnet.

Southampton Crown Court was told one of the group, who were out celebrating a birthday, came within inches of having his head run over by the wheel's of Rahman's £16,000 motor.

Another party goer was left lying unconscious in the road and a bouncer, who had tried to to stop the 1.5 tonne car , needed life changing reconstructive surgery when Rahman drove straight over him.

(Image: Hampshire Constabulary) (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

The scene, which was likened to computer game Grand Theft Auto, was captured on CCTV cameras and shown to the jury, the Southampton Daily Echo reported.

Jailing him for six years, Judge Gary Burrell described the incident on March 15 last year as "absolutely horrifying" and said it was a miracle no one had been killed by his "ridiculously dangerous driving".

Rahman, an IT worker, had been driving in his £16,000 silver BMW automatic in Southampton city centre with his best friend Alex Stanek when the incident happened around 12.30am.

The pair were attempting to find somewhere to park before heading to city nightclub Popworld when the crowd walked out of the Penthouse bar.

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Footage shows the headlights of Rahman's car as he approached close to the group but his path was blocked.

Victim Jordan Jefferies, whose birthday they had been celebrating, then appeared to kick out at the car in what police said was a way to get it to move away from his friends.

But as he turned his back, Rahman accelerated sending the six friends and doorman Michael Penn flying into the air or onto the road.

(Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

The 24-year-old motorist then sped from the scene in Southampton, Hants, as his shocked passenger begged him to stop and horrified onlookers called emergency services.

Further cameras captured him dangerously overtaking two other vehicles that had slowed at a pedestrian crossing before he stopped in a car park near Southampton Common and was later arrested.

Afterwards, Rahman also called 999 and questioned if he needed to return to the scene because it had been 'an accident' and his foot had 'slipped' on the pedal.

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Mr Stanek told the court he had been asked by Rahman - with whom he had been friends since school - to back up this story, but that was a lie.

He added that Rahman's temperament had been badly affected by his deteriorating condition of ulcerative colitis, which he believed had left him depressed.

Rahman denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent, attempting to cause GBH and assault but was found guilty by a jury at Southampton Crown Court who had gasped in horror when shown the footage.

(Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Judge Gary Burrell QC said: "This was an absolutely horrific incident - you lost your temper, it's as simple as that.

"You deliberately drove in to a crowd of innocent young people, where you were bound to cause them injury - you scattered them on collision.

"It is a wonder no one was killed, but the head of one of those people was very close to the wheel. You could easily have been facing a murder or manslaughter charge.

"Two were quite seriously injured. The other sustained injuries they will always be aware of. It was ridiculously bad driving and they will never forget what happened that night.

"It was hardly surprising there were gasps from the public gallery ..... It does take ones breath away to see what you did."

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Rahman, from Upper Shirley, Southampton, did not give evidence but his lawyer told the court he accepted he had made "a grotesque error of judgement" that had "catastrophic consequences".

The court heard doorman Michael Penn, 37, was unable to work for many months afterwards, now needs reconstructive surgery on both knees and has been forced to give up martial arts and sports.

Jordan Jefferies, 22, said: "Some of my friends who I have known since primary school have suffered such lasting injuries."

Tom Bevis, 27, said he had been sporty but had had to give up running and cycling due to injuries to his leg and had to return to his parents' as he could no longer live alone.

(Image: Police handout)

He said: "Sometimes I wake up thinking my friends had died in the incident."

Lucy Cutler, 22, has had metal plates inserted in her ankle and is anxious her jaw she will require further surgery. She missed 70 days of work, couldn't sleep because of the pain she suffered and added: "This horrific night will remain with me forever".

Self employed glazier Josh Blyth, 25, was knocked unconscious and damaged his neck and lower back, meaning he was off unable to work for a month.

After the case, Det Sgt Amanda Wilson said: "The CCTV is some of the most shocking I have seen in my 23 years as a police officer.

"His actions have had huge consequences for everyone involved. It really is pure luck that no one was killed.

"Seven people, including a member of door staff sustained injuries, some of which have changed their lives forever.

"Mr Rahman was a decent young man from a nice family. However, his obstinate refusal to take responsibility for what he had done meant his victims endured an intensely difficult year preparing for this trial."