Miroslave Jovanovic, 56, was found guilty by a jury earlier this year of a frenzied stabbing attack on the man at the Belconnen Bus Interchange in April last year.

The violent attack, which left the man with six knife wounds, took place in broad daylight in front of groups of Canberrans waiting for the bus.

The small knife passed through gaps in the victim's ribs.

It collapsed his lung, damaged an artery, and caused a large level of blood loss.

The man gave evidence at trial that he believed he was going to "bleed out" and die.

But now, in what is described by his barrister James Lawton as an "awkward situation", Jovanovic says he is trying to save his victim from being bashed in the Alexander Maconochie Centre.

The ACT Supreme Court heard the man he stabbed has recently been remanded in custody at the prison.

Other inmates have offered to inflict violence on the inmate because he gave evidence against Jovanovic at trial.

Jovanovic told Justice Richard Refshauge he was trying to dissuade others from hurting the man.

But he warned his protection could only last so long.

"My sort of influence is going to wear thin over how much I can do to make sure he doesn't get hurt," he said.

Jovanovic was giving evidence at his sentencing hearing, and also said he was sorry for the injuries the victim sustained in the attack.

But he maintained he had not intended to inflict the injuries, and was as surprised as anyone by what had happened.

"I'm sorry for the injuries he has received and, as I say, I was as shocked as he was and everyone was about what the injuries were," he said.

He said he may soon lose his public housing property, that his girlfriend had broken up with him, and he was expecting to undergo surgery on his knees, shoulder, and nose.

Jovanovic said he had no income save for $30 per week, and had no one visiting him or supporting him in jail.

He has already served 13 months in custody.

Justice Refshauge is expected to sentence the offender at a later date.