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This video captures the moment a paedophile tried to stab a prosecutor in court as the jury returned their verdict.

Joshua Harding, 35, was on trial for abusing a 10-old-girl in a cemetery when he launched the vicious attack.

The footage shows him standing in the courtroom along with lawyers and other officials as the jury were about to read out their verdict.

But he suddenly runs towards assistant prosecutor Jonathan Roth with a piece of metal and attempts to stab him in the head.

(Image: Police Handout)

Footage obtained by the Lansing State Journal shows the prosecutor jump out of the way as police restrain Harding.

The sex offender was found with a piece of metal which he had been hiding up his sleeve.

He was bundled to the ground by police before being hauled away during the incident on August 2.

He has now being charged with terrorism and attempted murder.

Harding was sentenced on Wednesday to 19 to 38 years in prison for sexual assault.

He was sentenced from a holding cell after choosing not to be in court and is now in custody.

The 35-year-old will make another court appearance to face the new charges.