the mental state of Rudolph West examined before a preliminary hearing into charges he murdered his wife takes place.

West's lawyer Ms Patricia Harvey elected a long form preliminary inquiry for the 26-year-old St. George's man yesterday, but told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis she was unable to receive proper instructions from West due to his mental state.

She said West had been under the care of the prison psychiatrist since he arrived at Westgate Correctional Facility, and was taking medicine for his problems.

West is remanded in custody. He has not been required to plead to charges that he committed the premeditated murder of his wife, Rochelle Marcia West on at the Chamber of Commerce on January 5.

If he is goes to trial in Supreme Court after the preliminary inquiry, he could face the death penalty if he is convicted.

Yesterday, Ms Harvey asked the court to review West's psychiatric report, but Mr. Francis said the report was irrelevant at this point in the case.

"I cannot entertain you,'' he said. "A psychiatric report should be addressed in the Supreme Court.'' Crown Counsel Ms Nita Grewal agreed with Mr. Francis on his decision.