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A man with a tattoo on his EYE has been locked up for 20 years - after he admitted shooting a policeman while high on heroin.

Jason Walter Barnum, 39, pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary, and third-degree felony in possession of a weapon in the drug-fuelled incident in 2012.

Police chiefs drew attention to Barnum's distinctive appearance - including a right eye filled with black ink and skull tattoos covering his skull - as he was sentenced to jail, plus three years' probation.

Anchorage Police Department Chief Mark Mew made sure the gunman's unusual look didn't go un-noticed in Anchorage Superior Court.

(Image: KTUU-TV)

Giving evidence, Chief Mew said: "I'm going to stick my neck out here and state the obvious.

"I'd like you to take a look at Mr. Barnum. He has the right to do this to himself and to express himself.

"We can't sentence him for that, but I think we can consider a guy's attitude and his behavior."

Before this crime, which left Officer Daniel Thyen with gunshot wounds Barnum had notched up 14 convictions including four felonies, prosecutors said.

Police looking for someone suspected for firing a gun stolen during burglaries and vehicle break-ins in Anchorage Hillside, Alaska, America, found Barnum and two others hiding out.

Barnum opened fire, grazing Officer Thyen in the back, KTUTV reported - and officers fired back until a standoff was reached.

Barnum, who faces solitary confinement at Spring Creek Correctional Center, told the court: “I’m humbled by what the chief said, I was out there pretty much running crazy.

"Everybody knows that I’m not the nicest guy. I understand that what I did was wrong. I can’t take none of it back."

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Jack Smith said the tough sentence's parole term should help Barnum adjust to life outside bars.