Man accused of Longford arson refused high court bail

The man alleged to have started the fire in Grafton Court in Longford that caused up to €3 million euro in damages has been refused High Court bail.

Guo Zhong Chen, of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, is charged with arson in relation to the Grafton Court Fire in Longford Town on July 28.

The fire led to the closure of 13 businesses and up to 60 jobs were lost and the accused was arrested at his home on August 8 last.

Also read: Longford businesses continue to battle back following devastating town centre fire

Detective Garda Shane O'Connor of Longford Garda Station told Justice Mary Ellen Ring that Gardaí had concerns in relation to Mr Chen's bail application.

The court heard Chen had no ties to Ireland and he had been regularly sending money every month to support his wife and step children in China.

Det Gda O'Connor highlighted concerns over the defendant's use of different names, with financial documents discovered by officers in his home showing several bank accounts with a variation of his name and one document which had a completely separate name.

Also read: Fifty statements taken and over 100 hours of CCTV footage viewed by Gardaí investigating devastating Longford fire

Gardaí and the state solicitor also showed Justice Ring a selection of CCTV evidence.

The defence, who presented their bail terms to the court, stated that the accused would surrender his passport, currently held by a friend that is not known to Gardaí.

The defence also stated Chen's wife would travel to Ireland, surrender her own passport to officers and provide a €20,000 bail bond.

Ms Justice Ring, who considered both the state and defence arguments, decided to refuse bail due to the severe nature of the offences and the defendant's limited ties to the region.

He is due to appear before again next month before a sitting of Longford District Court next month for the presentation of a book of evidence.

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