A Chinese national accused of arson that caused over €3 million in damages to Longford Town will face trail in the new year.
At a sitting of Longford District Court today, Judge Bernadette Owens set the trial process to begin on the 14th of January at Longford Circuit Criminal Court. Guo Zhong Chen, of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, had previously been charged with arson in relation to the Grafton Court Fire in Longford Town on July 28th.
He was further charged with criminal damage in relation to an incident on a separate date to the fire. That charge refers to the alleged damage of a vehicle at Townparks in Longford on the 7th of July.
He was arrested by Gardaí on the 8th of August at his home where he attempted to flee by jumping from a balcony in his underwear. It's alleged that Mr Chen, a Chinese national and naturalised citizen of Ireland set a fire at Oyama Sushi in Longford Town on the 28th of July.
The business is operated by Mr Chen's Ex partner and her brother, with Mr Chen's relationship with his ex partner said to have ended at the beginning of July. At today's court sitting, it was confirmed that the Book of Evidence had been served on Mr Chen and his legal team, consisting of 50 witness statements and 60 hours of CCTV footage
Addressing Judge Owens, Christina Burke who was representing Mr Chen stated that a signed plea had been offered to the accused but not taken up. At a previous sitting, it was requested that an interpreter would translate the contents of the book of evidence and dictate the disclosures as Mr Chen was unable to read.
This was confirmed to have taken place with his Barrister requesting the legal aid be extended to cover the cost of same. This was granted by Judge Owens and she branded it as 'exceptional circumstances' while allowing the legal aid to cover any further translation and dictation requirements.
The defence were also granted permission for a second counsel due to the complex nature of the case. Guo Zhong Chen did not seek bail and will remain in custody until the trial process begins at Longford Circuit Criminal Court on the 14th of January.
