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DURHAM, N.C. — A former Durham city councilman appeared in court Thursday to face a domestic assault charge.
John Best was arrested around 1 a.m. Thursday and charged with domestic assault. The prosecutor said Best, who appeared in court with a black eye, hit his estranged wife in the head with his hand.
The judge ordered Best to not have any contact with his estranged wife and to undergo a psychological and substance abuse evaluation. Best and his wife separated eight months ago.
It is not the first legal trouble for Best. In the past, he has been put in jail for not paying alimony to his first wife.
Best was voted out of office last year after serving one term on Durham's city council.
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