A dark cloud hangs over Rev. Trevor Eugene Woolridge's future as an AME Minister and politician now that he has been found guilty of sexual assault.

The Royal Gazette understands that a high level meeting of the PLP's central committee, caucus and branch chairmen will meet later this morning to prepare a formal statement.

Regardless of the Magistrate's sentence on Monday morning -- he could receive a maximum of five years in prison for his crime -- Rev. Woolridge is certain to relinquish his job as pastor of Mount Zion AME Church.

Rev. Malcolm Eve, presiding elder of the AME churches in Bermuda who was present in the court yesterday morning for part of the trial, was contacted at his home and asked what effect, if any, the verdict will have.

He said: "I can't comment on that. I did not know that he had been convicted so I have to wait to get my instructions. Until then I cannot say anything.'' It is understood that Presiding Bishop Philip Cousins of Philadelphia, has been keeping a keen eye on the outcome of the case.

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Jennifer Smith who is in Brighton, England, attending a UK Labour conference, was shocked when The Royal Gazette contacted her with the news.

"I am way over in Brighton so I cannot have much reaction from here other than to be surprised at this announcement,'' she said.

"I have much sympathy for his family and his church family. As far the party is concerned we shall have to study the law as it relates to the entire matter and then do what is in the best interest of all.'' Ms Smith refused to speculate on whether a by-election would be called in Rev.

Woolridge's soon-to-be vacated seat of Hamilton Parish East.

"I do not know whether he will be appealing this verdict,'' she continued.

"I would have like to have spoken to him first and I did try to reach him.

"However I cannot say anymore about this from all these thousands of miles away other than to express my surprise.

"We shall certainly be moving immediately to do what is in the best interest of all those concerned.'' Premier Pamela Gordon was similarly discreet in her response when a Royal Gazette reporter contacted her at the Cabinet Office yesterday afternoon.

She said: "This matter is still under the court's consideration and he is still to be sentenced.

"From my perspective this is not an issue to gloat over. We are praying for all those involved and all of their families.'' The Bermuda Constitution section 30(d) states that a prison sentence exceeding 12 months, whether imposed or suspended, is enough to disqualify a person from membership to the House of Assembly.

This means that Rev. Woolridge is almost certain to loose his seat if he gets a prison sentence, unless it is for a period of less than 12 months. Rev.

Woolridge has already been placed on "administrative leave'' from his church although at the time neither the local AME hierarchy and that based in Philadelphia would comment on the reason for the move. As a consequence he has not appeared on the pulpit to preach for at least three weeks.