A 57-year-old man has been jailed for nine years over a massive arson attack in Longford, which caused €3.5 million in damage.
The judge described it as ‘a crime of spite and revenge’.
The blaze started in Grafton Court in Longford town at around 1.30am on July 28, 2024.
A total of 19 businesses were affected, and the total financial loss was around €3.5 million.
Chinese national Guo Zhong Chen, of Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar pleaded guilty to starting the fire at the Oyama Sushi Restaurant.
The court heard Chen, an Irish citizen, had been in business with one of those involved in this restaurant, but then fell out with them.
In Longford Circuit Court today, Judge Kenneth Connolly said it was a ‘crime of spite and revenge’ and was very well organised.
He said it was driven by ‘scorn’ from Chen, who believed the main injured party had excluded him from a planned new business.
Chen apologised in court today.
Judge Connolly said the fire caused huge damage to Longford town, the businesses affected, and the buildings’ owners.
He said it caused financial, emotional, and mental health issues.
He gave Chen a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence, suspending the final 18 months.
