PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A judge has upheld Providence’s decision to stop paying a city police sergeant charged with assaulting a handcuffed prisoner.

Sgt. Joseph Hanley was notified by the city in October that he would stop receiving his pay because more than 180 days had lapsed without a disposition of the criminal charge.

Hanley petitioned for a stay of suspension without pay based on delays in the case that he said were out of his control, but the judge ruled Tuesday that Hanley contributed to the delays.

Hanley is charged with simple assault for allegedly punching, kicking, and kneeling on the head of a man last April. He pleaded not guilty.