estranged wife Mrs. Rochelle West tried to take his life while in Police custody this weekend.

A Police spokesman yesterday confirmed St. George's man Rudolph West, 26, attempted suicide in his cell at Hamilton Police Station on Saturday.

"He was examined by doctors and on their advice was moved to St. Brendan's (psychiatric hospital),'' Insp. Roseanda Jones said.

She said he was on Adams Ward where he was being guarded around the clock by Police officers.

West is fully recovered physically from the attempted suicide, she said.

Insp. Jones could not say when he would be appearing in Magistrates' Court.

Today is his third working day in Police custody without being charged with any crime. Police can detain a suspect for up to 72 working hours without charges being laid.

"It would be at his doctor's discretion to decide whether he is capable of hearing charges against him,'' Insp. Jones said.

It is understood West tried to strangle himself in his cell.

He was arrested outside Mrs. West's office in the Chamber of Commerce building on Front Street after the 30-year-old receptionist from St. David's was stabbed to death.