The fate of a Nassau police officer accused of beating up a Westbury man is in the hands of a judge.

Vincent LoGiudice is accused of using excessive force against Kyle Howell during a traffic stop in April 2014. He allegedly punched and hit Howell 18 times, causing fractures and bruising to Howell's eyes, jaw and nose.

Howell had been initially pulled over for speeding.

During closing arguments Tuesday, both sides highlighted a surveillance video that captured the traffic stop incident. Prosecutors say it shows LoGiudice using unreasonable, excessive force -- turning an arrest into an assault on Howell. They say he also has lingering vision problems.

LoGiudice's defense attorney says the video, which obscures the view of Howell inside the vehicle, fails to prove the prosecutor's case. The defense says it is not a case of police brutality, but it was a life-or-death situation for LoGiudice and the use of force was justified.

The judge says she will hand down a verdict on Dec. 11. LoGiudice waived his right to a jury trial.