Michael Kennedy had been released from jail only a week before the incident on November 9 last year. 

He started using drugs heavily as soon as he was released and avoided sleep, which culminated in the aggravated carjacking. 

The 33-year-old was recently ordered to serve at least three years in jail for the incident, backdated to his arrest three days after the incident.

The County Court heard Kennedy had been taken to Wodonga Hospital on the day of the incident amid concerns for his mental state

The taxi had been called for him by a friend in Schlink Street after he left the hospital. 

Kennedy asked to be driven to Lavington and told the driver to go as far as his $21 would take him. 

When the taxi got close to central Wodonga, the 33-year-old threatened the driver with a kitchen knife and took the vehicle.

Kennedy threatened to kill the man and followed him for a short time as he ran towards the police station, but sped off.

He drove over to Albury as police followed the taxi’s GPS tracking system and got out of the car as it was still rolling, causing it to hit a power pole on the corner of Kiewa and Hovell Streets.

Judge Paul Grant said the 33-year-old had been given opportunities to change his life, but hadn’t done so.

He may have an acquired brain injury from drug use. 

“Given your inability in the past to control your heavy use of drugs and alcohol, and given the offending that has flowed from that, I am guarded about your prospects for rehabilitation,” Judge Grant said.  

“I accept that you now express a desire to try and change your behaviour.

“Your mother, who has offered you her support over the past few years, has made it abundantly clear that she is not prepared to maintain her support unless you reform.”

Kennedy will be eligible for parole in November 2020, with a maximum jail term of four-and-a-half years.