THE man convicted of murdering Mandurah taxi driver Lindsay Ferguson has been sentenced to life in prison with a non parole period of 17 years.
Grant Lindon Collard, 48, stood trial earlier this year over Mr Ferguson’s horrific death which happened on April 24, 2013 on Rouse Road.
A drug-affected Collard was a passenger in Mr Ferguson’s taxi before the vehicle hit a truck.
Police said Collard, who has been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, threatened the driver with a knife before the crash and damaged the vehicle.
Mr Ferguson died at the scene from a heart attack.
Immediately after the crash, Collard held two women hostage at a Mandurah business before police apprehended him.
Collard's behaviour was described as a "reign of terror" by the State prosecutor that left a "loving husband and father dead".
Collard's behaviour was described as a "reign of terror" by the State prosecutor that left a "loving husband and father dead".
The murderer, who had to be reminded to treat proceedings with respect after nodding off in the dock, was said to have shown no remorse for his actions.
Collard's lawyer told the court his client had an extensive history of mental health problems and drug abuse.
Collard, who has had a limited education and is illiterate, was also heard to have a lengthy criminal record, with a "constant series of convictions" listed.
He was described as a "longstanding, habitual, frequent criminal".
In handing down his sentence on Tuesday, Justice Eric Heenan said Collard had held Mr Ferguson captive in his own taxi and subjected him to prolonged and persistent abuse and threats.
"Me Ferguson was extremely vulnerable," he said.
"He tried to get away."
Justice Heenan described the women Collard later threatened as "brave", with both said to have lasting emotional effects.
In imposing a minimum custodial sentence of 17 years, Justice Heenan ordered Collard to serve 12 years concurrently for two kidnapping convictions.
Collard's sentence was backdated from April 24, 2013.
Outside court, Mr Ferguson's daughter said she was relieved the ordeal was over and was looking forward to moving on.
One of the women held hostage, Debbie Tippett, welcomed the sentence, but acknowledged "it will never bring Lindsay back".
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