A former soldier who fired live rounds at police officers as they attended a domestic incident at his home in Leeds has been jailed for eight years.

James Atkinson, 50, had taken a "heady combination of alcohol and drugs" prior to his shoot-out with the police, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Atkinson was jailed after admitting possessing a rifle to endanger life, to cause violence and to resist arrest.

He was cleared of the attempted murder of the two officers on Monday.

Sentencing, Mr Justice Tugendhat said the offences were so serious only a lengthy custodial sentence was appropriate.

He said lives were put at risk and it was "extraordinary that no one was injured other than yourself".

The officers were called to Bayswater Grove, Leeds, last year by Atkinson's estranged partner, the court heard.

He went out into the street armed with the rifle and fired at Pcs Natasha Menders and John Marshland, before firing other shots indiscriminately in the street, the jury heard.

More than 50 rounds were discharged and the siege lasted a total of five hours.

Atkinson, a manic depressive, gave himself up after he was hit in the hand by a police marksman, the court was told.

In mitigation, David Hatton said Atkinson was full of remorse. He was in "emotional turmoil" on the day and acted out of character.

After the sentencing Det Supt Bill Shackleton, from West Yorkshire Police, praised the officers involved.

He said: "I think it's been made clear through the course of the trial that the officers and members of the public were in danger of losing their lives.

"Atkinson fired 53 rounds from a high-velocity weapon. The possibility of those injuring or killing someone was very high indeed.

"Pc Natasha Menders, relatively junior in the force, was faced with what was initially a routine incident and the next moment she was being fired at. She conducted herself admirably and with great courage."

Mr Shackleton also praised the firearms officers for their "restraint and patience" and for ending the siege with just one shot and no loss of life.