Three men charged with the larceny of nine batteries from Digicel cell sites had their bails extended in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

The accused are Oneil Barnett, Michael Bryson and Paul Clarke, all of St Catherine.

When the men appeared they pleaded not guilty.

Attorney-at-law Linden Wellesley told the court the batteries were defective. He also told the court the batteries belonged to another utility company, not Digicel.

Detective Corporal Kirk Roache countered the argument, outlining that the batteries were imported by Digicel and was identified by the company as those stolen from the cell sites.

The detective was directed to collect outstanding statements to complete the file.

Allegations are that in early May, police personnel conducted a covert operation in Portmore, St Catherine.

The court heard that the party went to Barnett's home. while there, Bryson and Clarke drove up.

They took nine batteries from the vehicle and gave them to Barnett who sold two of the batteries to the undercover police.

All three were arrested by the police who charged them with conspiracy, larceny and receiving stolen property.

They will return to court on August 23.