A contract killer who executed a gangster outside a pub on Hogmanay has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 26 years.
The Fatal Shooting on New Year's Eve
Paid assassin Grant Hunter, 34, shot Marc Webley, 38, outside the Anchor Inn in Granton, Edinburgh, shortly after 11.30pm on December 31, 2023. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Hunter carried out the hit on behalf of others unknown to prosecutors.
CCTV footage played in court showed Hunter parking a stolen Hyundai Tucson outside the pub. In a deliberately sinister act, he got out of the car and pulled down his balaclava so Webley could see his face. The pair were seen speaking as a police car drove past. The footage culminated with Hunter producing what is believed to be a Slovakian-made pistol, which has never been found.
Courtroom Sentencing and Judge's Condemnation
Hunter, from Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to murdering Webley and the attempted murder of a second man, Stewart Pearson, who was shot at the scene but made a full recovery. Webley, who was wearing a stab-proof vest, tried to run away but was shot in the back and later pronounced dead at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Passing sentence, Judge Lord Mulholland told Hunter his actions were "blatantly sinister". The judge stated: "You fired four shots which showed beyond any doubt that you wanted him dead... It is blatantly sinister that you wanted your victim to see your face which is an aggravating factor." He emphasised that "gangsterism is not acceptable in a civilised society" and that Scotland "is a civilised place without tolerance for gangsterism".
Co-conspirators and Aftermath
Hunter's former partner, Emma McVie, 27, and another man, Gary Robertson, 22, pleaded guilty to attempting to defeat the ends of justice. McVie admitted washing the clothes worn on the night of the shooting, while Robertson admitted disposing of the murder weapon and providing cash, cocaine, and a change of clothing to Hunter and McVie. McVie was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, and Robertson received six-and-a-half years.
Prosecutor Graeme Jessop KC said Webley was believed to be involved in organised crime in Edinburgh and was aware his life was in danger due to a feud. Following the shooting, Hunter and McVie hid in various properties. A witness recalled Hunter making jokes about Webley "not seeing the bells" and expressing frustration at waiting to be paid a substantial sum for the killing.
As he was led to the cells, Hunter laughed, gave a thumbs-up to the public gallery, and shouted "result". Moira Orr of the Crown Office said the "targeted shooting" during celebrations had put the public in serious danger.
