MAN accused of gunning down a dad in the street has been cleared - after pinning the blame on a notorious former crime boss. Francis Coates was charged with shooting John Finnegan in Neilston on October 27 last year.

Coates was found not guilty of murder on Friday following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 36 year-old had incriminated convicted killer Stewart Gillespie, who died this year after he was attacked himself in a separate incident.

Coates - in a special defence - claimed the shooting was carried out by Armour Donnell, who had been paid �10,000 by William"Basil" Burns.

They were said to have been acting on the instructions of Gillespie, who was one of the most feared men in Paisley in the 1990's.

Coates showed no emotion as Judge Michael O'Grady QC formally acquitted him after the verdict.

Jurors heard during the trial how Mr Finnegan was shot in the face as he walked in Bank Street, Neilston.

His son James recalled seeing his father with another person prior to the 48 year-old being blasted to death.

The 25 year-old told the court: "The next thing I saw was the man pulling his hand then I heard a bang and saw a puff of smoke.

"I froze for a couple of seconds. I then said to my friend: 'My dad has been shot'."

Mr Finnegan was rushed to hospital, but never recovered from his injuries.

Coates gave evidence during the trial and admitted he did not like Mr Finnegan - but denied being responsible for the death.

Coates was asked by his QC Gary Allan: "It may be suggested that there was a power struggle between business competitors and it would have suited you to have John Finnegan - the main man - out of picture."

He refuted the suggestion and also said he had never had a gun.

James McCarron, 33, had also been accused of being involved in the murder, but he earlier walked free after prosecutors withdrew the charge against him.