The man accused of setting a fire that caused millions of euro worth of damage in Longford town has appeared in court this afternoon.
Guo Zhong Chen, of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, was arrested on August 8th. He currently denies any involvement in the fire.
The 55 year initially attempted to evade arrest by jumping off a balcony and fleeing in a state of undress.
Gardai have strongly contested bail, citing their concerns that Mr Chen is a flight risk, that he may interfere with evidence and that he may contact injured parties.
He was remanded in custody over the weekend in Castlerea prison.
The fire that tore through Grafton Court on the 28th of July caused over €3 million worth of damages and resulted in the closure of 13 businesses.
Appearing before Judge Michael Connellon in Mullingar District Court this afternoon, the Chinese national was further remanded in custody until September 3.
There he'll return before Longford District Court, where defence indicated further bail applications may be heard.
