Westmeath Man Charged With Alleged Longford Arson Drops Legal Representation

Wednesday, 2 October 2024 08:12

Guo Zhong Chen is charged with the alleged arson on July 28th.

A Westmeath man charged with the alleged arson of a Longford restaurant, resulting in over €3 million worth of damage and the closure of over a dozen local businesses has dropped his legal representation.

It's after a bail application was denied in the High Court.

55-year-old Guo Zhong Chen, of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, addressed Judge Bernadette Owens and Longford District Court through an interpreter.

He said he wished for Bríd Mimnagh to come off record in his case, with Dimitry Grinberg coming on record for the accused.

Mr. Chen was initially denied bail at Longford District Court on August 9th, after he was charged with committing arson at a commercial premises in Grafton Court, in Longford, on July 28th.

Sergeant Conor McShane told the court a file has been completed and sent to the DPP, with directions expected to be available for the next court appearance.

Mr. Chen was therefore remanded in custody and will reappear at Longford District Court on October 22.