A man in Scotland has admitted murdering another man in Edinburgh during a gangland shooting on Hogmanay 2023.
Grant Hunter, 34, shot Marc Webley at the Anchor Inn in Granton just before midnight on New Year’s Eve two years ago.
In the days before his death, Webley, 38, taunted his rivals on social media, daring them to confront him.
He also had a past linked to gangland violence, having been sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempted murder in 2005.
The indictment stated that Hunter’s killing of Webley was “aggravated by a connection with serious organised crime.” He is scheduled to be sentenced on 17 December in Glasgow.
Two others, Emma McVie, 27, and Gary Robertson, 22, also appeared at Edinburgh High Court, pleading guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. Their sentencing will take place at a later date.
On New Year’s Eve 2023, Webley was celebrating with friends outside the pub when Hunter approached him and another man.
After a brief encounter, Hunter drew a gun and fired at both men.
CCTV footage shown in court captured Webley, wearing a stab vest at the time, attempting to flee.
He was shot in the back and died shortly after from his injuries. Stuart Pearson, a friend of Webley who was also shot, survived.
Hunter has admitted to murdering Webley and attempting to murder Pearson.
Judge Lord Mulholland described Hunter as a “paid assassin” and emphasized that “the streets of Edinburgh and Scotland were not war zones.” He noted that “the fact four shots were fired at Webley showed there was no doubt he wanted him dead.”
Hunter was informed he would receive a life sentence with no guarantee of release.
Regarding McVie and Robertson, Lord Mulholland said they should expect lengthy sentences for helping Hunter cover his tracks.
McVie cleaned the getaway car and Hunter’s clothes, while Robertson disposed of the gun, which remains unrecovered. Criminal Justice social work reports are being prepared ahead of their sentencing next month.
Detective Superintendent Graham Grant described the violence as “absolutely senseless” and offered condolences to Webley’s family. “Although this was a targeted attack, there was absolutely no regard for the safety of the local community by discharging a firearm outside a busy pub on New Year’s Eve,” he said.
“One man lost his life and another was seriously injured, but this incident could also have left other people seriously injured, or worse and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated. Violence and the carrying of firearms is completely unacceptable. I believe these convictions sends a message to those involved in serious criminality that we remain determined to bring you to justice.”
