Johnny Murray was on parole for another serious wounding matter when he confronted the man on the evening of March 11 last year, first poking him in the eye with a stick then threatening to kill him.

The two men grabbed hold of each other and wrestled down the driveway before breaking apart, at which time Murray left the scene.

It was only then the victim realised he had multiple stab wounds on his body including to his bicep, thigh, hand and left buttock.

Murray was arrested on March 17 and charged with reckless wounding.

He was also charged over a separate incident that occurred two days earlier, in which he broke into into an occupied caravan, stole a set of car keys and took the vehicle on a joy ride that turned into a high-speed run from police.

Murray was remanded in custody and eventually pleaded guilty to all the charges.

During a sentencing hearing in Wollongong District Court on Friday, Judge Andrew Haesler accepted submissions from Murray’s lawyer that he’d had a deprived upbringing that made him “ill-equipped” to deal with the community.

“He’s had a history of tragedy and trauma in childhood, including the early uptake of methylamphetamine use,” Judge Haesler said.

“He has difficulty understanding the impact of his behaviour...it’s clear he’s an impulsive person with limited emotional and educational resources.”

However, Judge Haesler said Murray had an atrocious criminal record for someone so young and seemed unwilling to engage in rehabilitation.

“His subjective features can only go so far,” he said.

Murray’s lawyer said he would benefit from an extended parole period and planned to live with his grandparents in Nowra when released.

With time served, Murray will be eligible for parole in September 2018.