for killing his estranged wife, it emerged yesterday.

West, 27, pleaded guilty to premeditated murder -- a charge that automatically carries the death penalty -- when he appeared in the Supreme Court last month.

Yesterday it was confirmed that his lawyer, Ms Patricia Harvey, had lodged an application to seek leave to appeal against the conviction.

However, because West pleaded guilty to murdering his estranged wife, Rochelle West, an appeal can only be successful on a legal technicality.

On January 5 this year, West, of Mullet Bay Road, St. George's, went to the Chamber of Commerce building on Front Street, where he stabbed his wife to death.

Ms Harvey is also seeking leave to appeal against the sentence, however because it is an automatic penalty no appeal can be lodged with the courts.

It is up to the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy to consult with the Governor, Lord Waddington, who will decide whether to grant a pardon, delay punishment or substitute a lesser penalty.

He has already called for a written report on the case from the Chief Justice, the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward, which will be sent to the committee.