Yesterday, Sproates, now 26, was sentenced to 12 years' jail for the July 2006 shooting, but with good behaviour he could be out in half that time.

Judge Paul Conlon handed down his sentence in the Wollongong District Court after Sproates pleaded guilty to maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent - a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years behind bars.

Sproates and 29-year-old Shane Staff, of Berkeley, had never met before July 2, 2006, when they were both drinking at the club.

About 3am, Sproates was forced to leave the club, with security guards escorting him from the premises.

Along with alcohol, Sproates had been taking crystal methamphetamine - commonly known as ice - and cannabis on the night of the shooting.

He had previously given evidence that ice made him paranoid and edgy, and Judge Conlon said Sproates had been carrying a pistol when he went out for about 18 months before the incident.

After Sproates was removed from the club, he drew the pistol and approached Mr Staff who was sitting on a bench waiting for a taxi.

A short verbal argument took place, during which Sproates pushed the gun in the face of Mr Staff, who pushed it away.

Sproates began walking towards a waiting car and Mr Staff followed, saying: "If you're going to shoot me, then shoot me."

Sproates then turned and fired up to three shots, one of which hit Mr Staff in the abdomen.

He was rushed to Wollongong Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He was transferred to St George Hospital.

The next day, Sproates handed himself in to police. He later said he did not remember details of the shooting and learned the degree of Mr Staff's injuries only when he read a victim impact statement.

Sproates was sentenced to an eight-year non-parole period but has served two years, so could be released in July 2014.