A man accused of stealing a cellular phone had his bail extended when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Charged with simple larceny is Earl Blair, who pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Allegations are that on the day of the incident, the female complainant left her mobile phone on a counter inside a shop when the accused is alleged to have taken it.

Resident Magistrate (RM) Georgiana Fraser quizzed the complainant, asking her if she is certain that she bore witness to the accused man taking the mobile phone, to which she replied no, but rather her three-year-old child.

"Well Ma'am, a three-year-old baby cannot give evidence at court and if I were to listen to what the child says, I would still need somebody to provide backup," RM Fraser responded.

Subsequently, the accused man had his bail extended until August 4 pending a mention hearing. A fingerprint order was also made.