The state Appeals Court has overturned the conviction of a Lowell woman found guilty along with her husband in 1997 of drugging and raping their four sons because she may have been incompetent to stand trial.
The court in its decision last week said a Superior Court judge erred in 2002 when he denied Nancy Adkinson’s motion for a new trial. The judge said even though Adkinson suffered from abuse at the hands of her husband, a competency hearing was not required.
The Appeals Court said in its decision that the Superior Court judge’s definition of competency was “too narrow” and there was “substantial evidence” that Adkinson was incompetent.
Prosecutors told The Sun of Lowell that they are reviewing the ruling.
Adkinson was sentenced to 35 to 40 years in prison.
