PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A judge has ruled Providence officials can keep a controversial police sergeant who pleaded no contest to beating a man in handcuffs five years ago on unpaid leave, as the battle over his future plays out in court.

Superior Court Judge Brian Stern ruled in favor of the city, which asked for Sgt. Joseph Hanley to be put back on unpaid leave until the court rules on an appeal. The challenge came after an administration panel that handles officer disciplinary cases ruled in favor of Hanley.

The upshot of the decision in the Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights case meant Hanley was cleared to return to his job earlier this month. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley's administration appealed, putting Hanley's return on hold.

Hanley, 54, was captured on both cell phone

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