Man who caused ‘several million euro’ damage in arson attack to reappear for psychological report

A Mullingar restaurant owner who pleaded guilty to an incident of arson which caused a previously-estimated €3m worth of damage to a shopping street in Longford Town in July of 2024 is due to reappear before the courts in May.

The case of Guo Zhong Chen (56), a Chinese national with an address at Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, County Westmeath, appeared before Judge Jonathan Dunphy at Longford Circuit Court this morning, where applications were made for a further adjournment.

Stephen Falkner, BL, instructed by state solicitor Mark Connellan, told the court that there are a number of victim impact statements to be prepared ahead of sentencing from business owners who fell victim to “several million euro” worth of damage to their properties. A psychological report is also pending.

Mr Chen pleaded guilty in November of last year to count two on the indictment, arson contrary to section 2(1) and 2(4) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991, on a full facts basis. A count of criminal damage will be taken into consideration when Mr Chen is sentenced.

The incident occurred on July 28, 2024, in the Grafton Court Complex of Longford Town, when a blaze forced the closure of more than a dozen businesses, and caused €3m worth of damage. The criminal damage charge related to a Land Rover at Townparks, Longford, on July 7, 2024.

A report previously furnished to the court stated Mr Chen was working in the main kitchen of the prison, training others to work in the canteen, and has been “an enhanced prisoner” since October 2024, and his general behaviour is “exceptional”.

Mr Chen will reappear before Longford Circuit Court on May 19, 2026, for sentence and was remanded in custody until that date.