A contract killer who carried out a brutal execution outside a pub on New Year's Eve has been sentenced to life with a minimum term of 26 years behind bars.
Chilling CCTV Captures Premeditated Attack
The court heard how Grant Hunter, 34, meticulously planned the attack on the evening of 31 December 2023, just before midnight. He arrived at the Anchor Inn in the Granton area of Edinburgh in a stolen Hyundai Tucson. CCTV footage played during the trial showed Hunter parking the vehicle before stepping out and immediately opening fire on two men standing outside the popular pub.
In a particularly cold-blooded act, Hunter was seen deliberately lowering his balaclava to ensure his primary target, 38-year-old Marc Webley, recognised him moments before the shooting. Hunter then fired, fatally wounding Mr Webley and attempting to murder a second man, 39-year-old Stuart Pearson.
Guilty Plea and Life Sentence
Hunter later pleaded guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder. At the High Court in Edinburgh, the judge imposed a life sentence, stating Hunter must serve at least 26 years before he can be considered for parole. The judge also noted there was a strong possibility the killer may never be released due to the severity and professional nature of the crime.
After carrying out the shooting, Hunter fled the scene in the waiting getaway car, which was later found abandoned. The police investigation, heavily reliant on the clear CCTV evidence, quickly identified and apprehended him.
A Community Shocked by Hogmanay Violence
The violent incident, which unfolded on Hogmanay—a night typically associated with celebration—sent shockwaves through the local community in Granton. The Anchor Inn, a local pub, became the focal point of a major police investigation for days following the attack.
This case highlights the grim reality of organised and paid-for violence. The calculated actions of the assassin, from using a stolen vehicle to ensuring his victim saw his face, demonstrated a terrifying level of premeditation. The substantial minimum sentence reflects the judiciary's stance on such contract killings.
