The man accused of arson in relation to a devastating fire in Longford is to seek bail in the High Court. Guo Zhong Chen of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar was arrested on August 8 at his home almost two weeks after the fire at Grafton Court in Longford Town.
The Chinese national is accused of setting a fire at Oyama Sushi, a business run by the brother of the accused's former business partner on the 28th of July. The fire caused upwards of 3 million euro worth of damage and resulted in the closure of 13 businesses.
Guo Zhong Chen was arrested on the 8th of August in Mullingar, with Gardaí stating the accused attempted to evade arrest by jumping from a 5-metre high balcony in his underwear. He was originally brought before a special sitting of Longford District court where Judge Deirdre Geraghty refused Mr Chen bail and remanded him in custody in Castlerea Prison.
The 55 year old appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens today in Longford District Court where it was confirmed that he intends to seek High Court bail later this week. If a person brought before the court in a criminal case is refused bail in the District Court, they are then entitled to appeal that decision to the High Court.
Guo Zhong Chen will appear in the High Court in Dublin on Thursday where his legal team will make the application. In an update provided to the court, Gardaí stated they expect to have DPP directions for the case within the month.
Judge Bernadette Owens adjourned the case until the 1st of October for directions from the state.
