Guo Zhong Chen continues to be remanded in custody.
An application to move the trial of a man accused of a Longford arson incident, which caused €13m worth of damage and forced over a dozen businesses to close, is due to be made in May before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Longford Circuit Court.
Guo Zhong Chen (55), of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, is currently before the courts charged with the arson, which took place on August 9, 2024, and a separate incident of criminal damage to a black Landrover at Townparks, Longford, on July 7, 2024.
He appeared before Judge Connolly this afternoon, where it was heard the book of evidence is slowly being translated into mandarin and an audio format.
Of approximately 60 hours of CCTV, a montage of one hour and 30 minutes has been played for Mr Chen, with a necessity to play the remainder of the footage.
Mr Chen has said that he wishes to view the footage in its entirety and is requesting a jury trial, but does not wish to have that jury trial in Longford due to “adverse media attention”.
“We can’t do that until he’s seen all the footage and the book of evidence,” said Judge Connolly, noting that it could take up to four weeks for that to be done.
He granted an application to extend legal aid to a documentary junior counsel in an effort to expedite matters, “because otherwise he could be facing a lengthy time on remand”.
The legal aid was also extended for all translation purposes.
Judge Connolly remanded Mr Chen to May 8, 2025, stressing that any application to move the location of the trial should be brought on that day, with the state to be on three weeks' notice.
“After that, I won’t entertain it,” he concluded.
Concerns Raised Over National Lottery’s Handling Of Gambling Risks
Over €73k Awarded To Midlands Schools For Sustainability Projects
Appeal Lodged Over Slieve Blooms Quarry Expansion
Westmeath Community Group Spreads Christmas Cheer To Families In Need
Offaly Bike Shop Owner Calls For Tougher Penalties For Phone Use While Driving
Department Of Education Faces Almost 2,000 Teacher Vacancies
Midlands MEP Slams EU Commission President Over Mercosur Trade Deal Push
Revenue Seize Over €455k In Contraband In The Midlands
Westmeath Global Tech Company Set To Move Next Year
Offaly TD Makes Call For Retail Crime Reporting Systems
Westmeath Private Medical Campus Credits Public Health Cases For Success
Over 300 Irish Soldiers Spending Christmas In Lebanon
Midlands Children’s Services Project Celebrates HSE Excellence Award Wins
Midlands Towns And Villages To Receive €2.4m In Regeneration Funding
Midlands Private School Principal Urges Inclusion In Free Books Scheme
F1 Prospect Alex Dunne Brushes Off Media Speculation
Westmeath Sports Clubs Do 12 Laps of Christmas
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash
National Mercosur Protest Set For Midlands Next Month
It Can't Go on - Laois TD Hits Out At Assessment Of Needs Waiting Lists