A gun used to murder a husband and wife was contaminated by DNA from a forensic science laboratory worker, it has been claimed in the High Court.

Counsel for a man charged in connection with the double shooting of Hugh and Jacqueline McGeough in Craigavon argued that proper steps were not taken to protect the exhibit.

But a judge rejected the assessment that the development amounted to any form of contamination.

Details emerged as Malcolm McKeown failed in his bid to be granted bail.

The 46-year-old Co Armagh man, currently of no fixed address, is accused of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent.

The charge relates to the investigation into the murders at the victims' Legahory Court home in March.

Mrs McGeough (44) was shot three times and her 56-year-old husband once.

It was alleged that they were involved in the drugs trade in the area.

McKeown was arrested and charged after a Colt revolver and two rounds of ammunition were discovered inside a plastic bag in Waringstown in July.

Forensic tests have confirmed it was the weapon used in the murders.

It was previously set out that the bullets were the same type of ammunition as those used.

McKeown's DNA is alleged to have been discovered on a misfired round in the bag also containing the gun.