A CROOKED company boss executed in a gangland hit named his killer with his dying breath, a court was told.

Andrew Best, 44, had his throat cut by drug dealing partners who had lured him to a Cumbernauld garden centre.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how John Maguire, 23, and a 40-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, called Best at his Stirling home then set upon him when he pulled up in his van on June 4 last year.

Prosecutor Brian McConnachie QC said: "Both accused got out their Fiesta. Mr X opened the door of Mr Best's van and Maguire struck him twice with a wheel brace.

"Mr X produced a knife and repeatedly struck him on the legs."

The court was told Best, who enjoyed a luxury lifestyle, fell as he scrambled out the passenger door and Mr X pounced on him, slashing his throat. Best, who owed thousands to investors after various failed businesses, then staggered out of Dobbies Garden Centre trying to flag down passing motorists.

He named Mr X to one driver who came to his aid and also mouthed his name to police trying to give him first aid.

A post-mortem found he suffered 16 wounds including three to the face, two on the chest and nine to his legs, but the fatal blow was to his neck.

Maguire, of Brora Street, Glasgow, said he was part of a plan to assault Best, but he didn't intend to kill him.

Mr McConnachie said: "Maguire claims that he told Mr X he had done enough to Mr Best.

"He did not come to the deceased's aid as he was fearful for his own safety."

Best's wife told police she knew Mr X although she had not seen him in 11 years.

Mr X's exact whereabouts are unknown but he is believed to be hiding in Holland.

Maguire admitted killing Best but pleaded for the lesser charge of culpable homicide as he didn't intend to kill him.

Sentence was deferred until next month.