Hulk Hogan's son jailed for eight months after car accident leaves friend in 'vegetative state'

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Nick, 17, pleaded no contest to charges of felony reckless driving stemming from a August 2007 accident in Clearwater, Florida.

The teenager was speeding in his yellow Toyoya Supra with his friend John Graziano, 22, in the passenger seat when the vehicle careered off the highway and hit a palm tree.

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Going down: Nick Bollea removes his tie as he is taken into custody

Nick was admitted to hospital with minor injuries, while John suffered a broken skull and other severe injuries.

Former U.S. Marine John was not wearing a seatbelt prior to the crash and will likely need a lifetime of full-time medical care.

In a Clearwater court on Friday, Nick was sentenced to eight months in prison, as well as five years probation, 500 hours community service and ordered to surrender his driving privileges for three years.

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Family support: Hulk Hogan and his daughter Brooke both testified during the trial

Nick was supported in court by his father Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea), his estranged wife Linda and daughter Brooke, 20, who all testified during the trial.

Speaking in court, Nick said: "I would like to apologise to the Grazianos and to my family for the accident. Every single day I think about the accident and about John.

"I will never ever be able to say I'm sorry enough."

During sentencing, Judge Philip Federico said: "I think there is an understanding of what happened, and there is a sense of acceptance of responsibility.

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Arrest: Nick Bollea was arrested in November - three months after the crash

"There is nothing that the court can impose that is close to what John has dealt with or will have to deal with as he moves forward."

Following Nick's sentencing, his lawyers released a statement saying the teenager was committed to raising money for his friend's medical treatment.

A statement from Kevin Hayslett and Sandy Weinberg Jr reads: "During his probation Nick will continue his community service work with the National Wave and Freedom Group where he raises money for the J&J fund to support the recovery efforts of John Graziano as well as John Paul Fillipi who was also injured in a car accident last year."

John's family asked the court to jail Nick for up to a year, well below the five year sentence he could have received.

Father and son: A happier Hulk Hogan and Nick Bollea before the crash