Rev. Trevor Woolridge whose sentencing was put off yesterday pending the outcome of an appeal against his conviction for sexual assault.

A standing room only court watched the 15 minute hearing and at the end converged on Mr. Woolridge, shaking his hand and wishing him well at his appeal.

Among those present at the hearing included Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith and Senate Opposition Leader Milton Scott. Both came forward to greet Mr.

Woolridge afterward.

A PLP source told the The Royal Gazette that the party caucus was firmly behind the Hamilton East MP and were hopeful that the appeal would go his way.

Meanwhile, Richard Hector who was retained to argue the law at his appeal instead of his former defence lawyer Marc Telemaque, told the court that a notice of appeal had been filed.

Consequently, all further proceedings -- including the sentencing that was scheduled for yesterday's appearance -- were stayed, an unusual but not unprecedented move.

Mr. Hector then asked for a nominal bail of $500 for his client and Saul Froomkin, who represents the complainant, did not oppose it.

Outside court, Mr. Hector would not reveal any of the grounds of appeal.

But he expressed some concern about the possible length of time that it will take before the appeal is heard and said he hoped for an early hearing.

He added: "We have a number of grounds of appeal but I wouldn't choose to reveal them now.'' Appeals from Magistrates' Court are heard in Supreme Court with the option of a further hearing in the Court of Appeal if unsuccessful.

And he said of the appeal date: "I'd be hoping for weeks rather than months.'' But he added: "Given the nature of the matter, they may very well make an exception in this case.'' Mr. Hector said he already has one appeal outstanding for a year where the records were not even ready.

"Magistrates' Court is short-staffed and it takes a while. You can't do an appeal until the record is ready.'' In the court lobby after his appearance, Rev. Woolridge looked relaxed and chatted with well-wishers.

One middle-aged woman in a pink blouse and black trousers kissed him as he walked from the courtroom.

Two of Mr. Woolridge's sisters also stood close by as he talked with members of the public for several minutes before leaving the court house.

Outside, a handful of people were waiting for Mr. Woolridge to emerge.

One younger woman gestured at the waiting cameras and hissed "blasphemers''.

But one elderly lady said: "He has done a lot of good in his life for other people.'' Another woman who hugged Mr. Woolridge on the pavement said: "We are just good friends. But I know his parishioners are very supportive of him.'' Last Wednesday, Mr. Woolridge was found guilty of exposing himself to a female parishioner and grabbing her breasts.

Acting Magistrate Michael Smith said that he accepted both lawyers' submissions that credibility was the premier issue in the case.

Moreover, he said that on the complainants' version of the facts, Mr.

Woolridge exposed himself to her and put his hands on her breasts.

Conversely, he said that Mr. Woolridge testified that this never occurred because he went to the woman's home to deliver a grocery voucher and promptly left.

Mr. Smith said Mr. Woolridge's evasiveness during the cross examination tainted his credibility.

The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, alleged the sexual assault occurred during a visit that Mr. Woolridge made to her home on September 20, 1996.