Judge acquits former Cincinnati councilman who struck his son

CINCINNATI (AP) -- A former city councilman did not commit a crime when he disciplined his 14-year-old son with a belt, a judge ruled Friday.
"I don't agree with what you did that day," Hamilton County Municipal Judge Russell Mock said in acquitting Sam Malone. " But how you raise your son is your business."
Malone faced up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted of the misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.
Malone had said he punished the teen for getting in trouble at school and wanted to teach him to respect teachers and authority.
A hospital that treated the boy contacted authorities last May, reporting that he had welts and marks on his body.
Ohio law permits corporal punishment, but not if it causes serious physical harm.
Malone lost his bid for re-election to council last November.