A man charged with committing an alleged arson attack, which resulted in the closure of 13 Longford businesses and caused in excess of €3m worth of structural damage, has been remanded in custody.
Guo Zhong Chen, 55, of Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, appeared before a special sitting of Longford District Court where gardaí objected to bail.
Detective Garda Shane O'Connor informed the court that he arrested Mr Chen and charged him today under Section 2 (4) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991, over the alleged arson attack which took place in the early hours of 28 July.
Det Gda O'Connor stressed to the court that gardaí were objecting to bail on the basis that Mr Chen has "no ties to the jurisdiction".
Gardaí also had concerns that Mr Chen would interfere with witnesses if given to bail.
Judge Deirdre Gearty, having heard the evidence, opted to refuse bail due to the degree of the seriousness of the offence, the strength of the evidence and because "I consider him to be a flight risk".
Mr Chen will reappear at Mullingar District Court via video link on Monday.
