In setting the 14-year non-parole period, Justice Ewan Crawford described the murder of Matthew Gouldthorpe on a Launceston street as "deliberate and brutal".

"The story is a horrifying one, involving random violence against a total stranger," Justice Crawford said.

Justice Crawford, a Supreme Court judge for almost 15 years, said it was one of the worst examples of violence he had dealt with.

"His violence and contempt for another human being can only be regarded with horror and utter disgust," he said.

FULL REPORT: Page 5