A Chinese national accused of arson that caused over €3 million in damages to Longford Town has signalled his intention to face a full criminal trial. Guo Zhong Chen, of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar made his first appearance at Longford Circuit Criminal Court today, following numerous appearances in Longford District Court. Mr Chen had previously been charged with arson in relation to the Grafton Court Fire in Longford Town on July 28th. It's alleged that the Chinese national and naturalised citizen of Ireland set a fire at Oyama Sushi in Longford Town on the 28th of July.
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. The Mullingar businessman was served with a book of Evidence consisting of 50 witness statements and 60 hours of CCTV footage last month. Guo Zhong Chen has been remanded in custody since his arrest and appeared before Judge Kenneth Connolly this afternoon.
Mr Chen's defence requested time to view the 60 hours of CCTV footage with Gardaí set to work with both the prosecution and the defence to decide if all footage is required to be viewed by a jury. The defence also indicated that they would lodge a motion to change the venue of any trial away from Longford due to the interest in the case locally and the effect that could have on selecting a jury. Guo Zhong Chen will appear back in Longford Circuit Criminal Court on the 13th of February.
