The man who was allegedly beaten by a Nassau County police officer took the stand Wednesday in the officer's trial.

As News 12 has reported, surveillance video appears to show 20-year-old Kyle Howell being beaten at a traffic stop last year by Officer Vincent LoGuidice.

Prosecutors have said that the 35-year-old officer punched and kneed Howell at least 18 times.

Defense attorneys claim the officer's use of force was reasonable, necessary and justified. In court, they painted a picture of Howell as someone with a checkered past, who had multiple arrests, who was resisting arrest and who suddenly lunged toward the glove box -- making the officer fearful for his life.

LoGuidice faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of the top felony charge.