A dramatic video has been released showing the moment a grieving father punched the killer of his three-year-old daughter whilst in a court in Detroit, United States.

The incident took place during the sentencing of Clifford Thomas and girlfriend Jasmine Gordon for the murder of Gordon's three-year-old daughter Jamila Smith. As Jamilia's father Dwayne Smith was about to deliver his victim statement he crossed paths with Thomas, causing the grieving dad to suddenly punch Thomas in the back of the head.

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A scuffle broke out between the two with the pair then separated by officers from Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Gordon then begins crying and shouting "Jesus" as her lawyer, John McWilliams, tries to console her.

McWilliams said afterwards, "It was pretty scary. I'm glad nobody was seriously hurt". The court was cleared and Smith was not allowed to return.

Jamila Smith died in September 2014 after her mother rushed her to hospital. Authorities found bruises on the three-year-old'[s head and chest consistent with abuse, leading to her death being ruled as homicide.

Both Gordon and Thomas were convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Gordon was sentenced to seven to 15 years for involuntary manslaughter and 14 to 25 years for first-degree child abuse while Thomas was sentenced to four-and-a-half to 15 years for involuntary manslaughter and one to two years for resisting and obstructing a police officer.