On his last appearance in court the man discharged his legal representation.
A Westmeath man charged with the alleged arson of a Longford restaurant, resulting in over €3m worth of damage and the closure of over a dozen local businesses, has been further charged with criminal damage.
Guo Zhong Chen (55), of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, appeared this afternoon before Longford District Court, where he was charged with a separate incident of criminal damage to a black Landrover at Townparks, Longford, on July 7, 2024.
When charged by Detective Garda Orla Geraghty this morning, Mr Chen replied “I didn't do it. How do you know it was me? The guy was wearing a hoodie. How do you know it was me?”
On his last appearance, earlier this month, Mr Chen discharged his legal representation.
His new solicitor, John Shanley, told the court today that there would be no application for bail on the new charge and requested the accused be remanded in custody to Harristown District Court this coming Friday.
DPP directions for Mr Chen are prosecution on indictment in the Circuit Court, with court presenter, Sergeant Mark Mahon, stating that the state would be prepared to serve the book of evidence and move forward with the prosecution by the next sittings of Longford Circuit Court in early November.
However, he said the state would also consent to a signed plea “should that arise”.
Mr Shanley, having just come on record for the case, said he is seeking disclosure and would likely not be in a position to proceed at the next sittings of Longford Circuit Court.
He also said that his client has “difficulties reading his own language” and requested the book of evidence be translated into an audio format.
Judge Bernadette Owens proceeded to remand Mr Chen in custody on consent to Harristown District Court on Friday, October 25.
She also directed the evidence be translated into an audio format in mandarin to assist the defendant, and requested that the prison facilitate Mr Chen in that regard.
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