Competency hearing asked for molester

The lawyer for a man accused of keeping a boy locked in a room and sexually abusing him said he’s not sure his client is competent to stand trial. 37-year-old Robert Pratt was in Court for a hearing yesterday; Judge John Wesley ordered Pratt held without bail. He faces six felony charges that each carry a mandatory 25 years in prison. Bennington County Public Defender Frederick Bragdon said Pratt has a severe learning disability, and his office will investigate Pratt’s competency.