An unlicensed driver who crashed into two stationary cars before leaving a taxi driver "bleeding to death on the road" in Melbourne's south-east has been sentenced to 19 months' jail.

Key points: Cameron Poulter sentenced on three charges including failing to stop and render assistance

Cameron Poulter sentenced on three charges including failing to stop and render assistance Taxi driver was outside his car when he was struck by Poulter

Taxi driver was outside his car when he was struck by Poulter Victim's son says 19-month sentence was a let down

Cameron Poulter, 47, ploughed into the cars that had stopped on Nepean Highway at Brighton East after a minor collision in August 2014.

The drivers were outside their vehicles swapping details when Poulter drove into them, crushing taxi driver Velauthar Muruhesapillai to death.

In sentencing, Judge Geoffrey Chettle said the man was effectively "cut in half".

He told the court Poulter yelled, "No, no … Sorry, I didn't see you there" after the crash and then fled, leaving the 65-year-old father-of-two "bleeding to death on the road".

"Why you failed to see him cannot be determined," Judge Chettle said.

Poulter was sentenced on three charges including failing to stop and render assistance.

He had been initially charged with the more serious offences of culpable driving causing death and negligent driving, but these were ultimately dropped due to lack of evidence.

The court was told he had faced court 26 times on numerous dishonesty charges spanning from 1985 to 2011 and had a prior conviction of failing to stop and render assistance.

Judge Chettle said Poulter likely fled the crash because of his prior criminal record and the fact he was unlicensed.

"You knew full well the consequence of the collision," he told the court. "You left him to protect yourself and avoid police."

In sentencing, Judge Chettle said he had taken into account the fact Poulter suffers depression and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the crash.

Poulter will be released in about 12 months, taking into account time already served in custody.

The victim's son, Vienoth Muruhesapillai, said the 19-month jail term was a let down.

"It's pretty poor sentencing, but that's the legal system at this point in time," he said.