RYAN Vanlong, 38, of Lot 194-23 Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday given until February 17 to make restitution after being convicted of fraudulent conversion.

He appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson and pleaded guilty to, having been solely entrusted with $39,000 by Fizal Ali to deposit at Demerara Bank on January 13, fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit.

The defendant claimed he used the cash to see a doctor as he was not feeling well and was admitted to hospital, suffering from high cholesterol and cold in his knees.

Vanlong said, on being discharged from hospital, he went to the virtual complainant to explain what happened but the Police arrested him.

He said he is willing to repay Ali but requested four days to do so.

After the virtual complainant confirmed that Vanlong was hospitalised, the magistrate put the latter on self-bail and warned him that, if he did not return on the set date, he would be arrested again.