A Chinese national accused of arson that caused over €3 million in damages to Longford Town will appear in court this morning. Guo Zhong Chen, of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar will make 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. 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 Mullingar Business man 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 is expected to appear before Judge Kenneth Connolly this morning.
