Gospel musician, promoter and music tutor, Samuel Wisdom, more popularly known as Sam Wisdom, appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday to answer to a charge of fraudulent conversion.

Wisdom, accused of using money given to him for the purchase of a keyboard for his own use and purpose, pleaded guilty with explanation before Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey.

Allegations are that Wisdom was given $160,000 by the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) for the purchase of a special keyboard. It was revealed, however, that the keyboard was never purchased, nor was the money returned. The police were subsequently called in and Wisdom arrested and charged.

Wisdom told the court he had suggested the particular keyboard to the CPTC and had indeed received the money. He said when he suggested it, the keyboard was on special, however, when he went to purchase it, the sale had ended. He said he tried to find something similar to the one he had suggested and took the time he had and the money in his keeping for granted.

He said representatives from the institution had said they were no longer interested in the keyboard and instead wanted him to pay back the money. He told the court he would be able to do so at the end of the month. Wisdom returns to court on July 1 when he is to repay the sum. His bail was extended until then.

The accused is perhaps most well known for his role as a television host back in the 1990s as host of the musical programme, Music Corner, that aired on JBC in the evenings.