A 60-year-old British judge has shown that athleticism and academia are not mutually exclusive by chasing down a convicted sex offender who attempted to flee his court.

The ABC reports that Judge Douglas Marks Moore twice wrestled 34-year-old Paul Reid as he attempted to flee Woolwich Crown Court in London last August.

Reid, who is now standing trial for escape and attempted escape, made his last ditch bid for freedom after giving evidence at his own his trial for sex offences.

Jurors at the Old Bailey, the central criminal court in London, heard that only one thing stood between Reid and sweet, sweet freedom: "The judge trying his case," said prosecutor Rupert Gregory.

"As he went through the door, his honour Judge Marks Moore grabbed him round the throat to try to bring him down. Together they went down three steps and then Mr Reid broke free and ran down the judge's corridor."

In what can only be described as a Jason Bourne-type scenario, the judge gave chase, wig and gowns aflutter. Just as Reid was about to open a push-handle fire door, the judge pulled out a rugby tackle of which George Gregan would be proud, gripping him around the throat and waist, and bringing him crashing to the ground, landing on top of him.

"He held him there, struggling and protesting, until the prison officers managed to catch up, secure him and return him to custody," said Gregory.

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Folklaw would have paid money to see that.