A gunman has been jailed for seven years after he fired shots at clubbers in Watford town centre.

In the early hours of Saturday December 8 2018, 28-year-old Elliott Simon of Stanmore, fired four shots after getting stuck behind a stationary vehicle near Pryzm nightclub.

Police said it was a “miracle” no one was injured.

St Albans Crown Court heard how three men had left Pryzm and got into their parked Vauxhall Corsa.

As the Corsa drove away, a phone slid out of one of the men’s pockets and down the side of his seat.

The Corsa driver stopped the car and put on his hazard lights.

Shortly after, a Chevrolet Aveo pulled up behind the Corsa.

In that Chevrolet was Simon, and a man called Raymond Celestine, as well as other unnamed people.

The court heard how Simon and Celestine became angry at the Corsa blocking the road and Celestine got out of the car and began shouting at the men in the Corsa.

Police say Celestine also threatened to rob them.

Simon also got out of the car and tried to calm Celestine down but then Simon pulled out a handgun and fired it.

Two shots were aimed at the ground near one of the men’s feet before he and his friend ran from the scene.

As the Corsa driver pulled away, Simon fired twice more. One round became lodged in the rear passenger door and the other entered the driver’s seat.

The driver managed to escape unharmed, despite a bullet missing him by centimetres.

Ealing Times:

The shooting happened after clubbers left Pryzm nightclub in Watford, pictured. Credit: Holly Cant

Police rushed to the scene after a witness called 999 but by then Simon and Celestine were gone.

Following police enquiries, Simon was arrested on Tuesday December 11 while Celestine handed himself in a week later.

Simon, of Ruth Close, Stanmore, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of a class A drug (cocaine).

His second charge of attempted Section 18 GBH will lie on file.

He was jailed for seven years after sentencing at St Albans Crown Court on July 24.

Celestine, also of Ruth Close, pleaded guilty to affray.

He received an 18 month community order, was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation requirement.

Detective Constable Lewis Mortimer, who led the investigation, said: "This was a terrifying incident for all three victims. A minor road rage incident escalated and the defendants’ reactions were completely disproportionate.

"Forensic teams assessed the Vauxhall Corsa and found a bullet lodged in the driver’s seat and the door panel, just centimetres away from where the victim was sitting. It is a miracle that the driver was not struck, and that we aren’t looking at a murder conviction.

"Detectives worked tirelessly in the hours and days that followed this incident in order to identify those responsible and in the months that followed.

"I am pleased with the sentences that have been handed down today. I hope Simon understands the gravity of the offence and that his sentence serves as a warning to those who think it is a good idea to carry a gun. We will not tolerate firearms on our streets in Watford."