Shooting Victim 'Issued Death Threat' Before Being Killed

A man who was shot dead alongside his wife had allegedly issued a death threat to one of the people accused of the killings.

The High Court heard the allegations, which relate to the deaths of Hugh McGeough and his wife Jacqueline, killed at home in Legahory Court, Craigavon in March 2011.

Prosecutors said they had evidence Mr McGeough was owed £13,000 from the man who they claim masterminded the double murder.

Malcolm McKeown, 47, currently of no fixed abode, is one of two men to be charged with the murders.

The man alleged to have carried out the killing is 31-year-old James Carlisle, whose current address is Maghaberry Prison.

It is alleged Mr McGeough, 56, and his 44-year-old wife, were involved in the drugs trade in the area.

Mr McKeown was originally accused of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent after a revolver and two rounds of ammunition were discovered inside a plastic bag in Waringstown last July.

Forensic tests have confirmed it was the weapon used in the shootings, while Mr McKeown's DNA is alleged to have been found on a misfired round.

Martin O'Rourke QC, defending, argued that evidence against his client for the weapon possession charge was weak, based only on low-copy DNA.

According to the BBC, he also set out an alternative claim that the murder was a revenge-killing, rather than drugs-related, and nothing to do with Mr McKeown.

Mr Justice Gillen refused bail due to the risk of interference with witnesses and possible further offences being committed.

(NE)