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Competency of Vt sex-assault defendant questioned

Associated Press - July 17, 2009 8:05 AM ET

BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) - The lawyer for a Vermont man accused of sexually abusing and virtually imprisoning a boy for nearly six years says he'll investigate whether his client is competent to stand trial.

The Rutland Herald reports a judge ruled 37-year-old Robert Pratt will be held without bail pending his trial.

During a hearing, Patricia Smith, who helped raise Pratt, said he had a learning disability and can't read or write.

Now 17, the boy lived with Pratt until September, when he moved in with his mother.

He said since 2003, he had been confined to the bedroom. He reported Pratt sexually abused him, hit him when he caught him trying to escape and sent him to school in long-sleeved shirts and pants so no one would see bruises and scars.

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