Shocking moment man in dock for sex crimes pulls a knife and tries to slash prosecutor

A SEX offender launched himself from the dock at prosecutors in a horrifying attempt to stab them.

Shocking CCTV footage shows 35-year-old Joshua Harding slipping a blade out of his sleeve and attempting to "shank" assistant prosecutor Jonathan Roth.

The tip of the rudimentary knife slashes past just inches from the face of Roth as Harding is wrestled to the ground by cops in the courtroom.

The pervert, who had been brought to the court from Ingham County Jail, in Michigan, USA, was then handcuffed by security, one of whom sustained an injury to his face.

Harding has since been found guilty of second degree criminal sexual conduct and is due to be sentenced next month as well as awaiting further charges for his courtroom outburst.

Security at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse is also being reviewed following the massive lapse on Tuesday.