Gunman jailed for at least 26 years for Hogmanay shooting

A hitman who gunned down another man outside a pub on Hogmanay and later joked about how his victim didn't live to see the "bells" has been jailed for at least 26 years.

Grant Hunter, 34, fatally shot Marc Webley, 38, outside The Anchor Inn in Edinburgh shortly before midnight on 31 December 2023.

Webley, who had a history of involvement in gangland violence, had earlier taunted his rivals on social media and dared them to "come and get it".

Hunter last month pleaded guilty to the murder, with the High Court in Edinburgh hearing how he carried out the hit on "behalf of others" who were "unknown" to police.

He also admitted attempting to murder Stewart Pearson, who survived after being shot in the attack.

The killer was handed a life sentence with at least 26 years behind bars at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Judge Lord Mulholland told Hunter he had committed murder for financial gain and for the "furtherance of serious organised crime".

He added: "Your cowardly actions will haunt you for the rest of your life."

Hunter was previously described as a "paid assassin" by Lord Mulholland.

On conviction, he told Hunter that the streets of Edinburgh and Scotland were not "war zones", adding: "They are not Chicago in the 1930s."

CCTV showed Hunter parking a stolen Hyundai Tucson car outside the pub before approaching Mr Webley and Mr Pearson. After a brief encounter, Hunter pulled out a gun and shot at both men.

The initial shots missed Mr Webley, but Mr Pearson was struck by a bullet and fell to the roadway. He has since made a full recovery.

Webley, who was wearing a stab-proof vest, was shot in the back as he attempted to flee and was later pronounced dead at hospital.

Lord Mulholland stated that the shots fired at Mr Webley "showed beyond any doubt that you wanted him dead".

Hunter fled the scene but was arrested days later. The murder weapon has never been recovered.

A witness who was in the company of Hunter that New Year's Day told police the killer was making jokes about Mr Webley "not seeing the bells" and reportedly said he pulled his mask down so the victim "knew who had done it to him".

The judge stated it was "sinister" Hunter wanted his victim to see his face but said it was ultimately his "undoing" as he was subsequently recognised by police officers and members of the public who knew him.

Hunter was said to have shown "no remorse" for his actions.

Lord Mulholland stated that the public and the courts "will not put up with this gangsterism".

Hunter's former partner Emma McVie, 27, and Gary Robertson, 22, also admitted their involvement in the case by attempting to pervert the course of justice.

McVie, who travelled in the stolen vehicle with Hunter to the crime scene, cleaned the getaway car and the clothes they were wearing.

Robertson disposed of the gun, and supplied cash, cocaine and a change of clothing to the pair.

McVie was jailed for four-and-a-half years, while Robertson was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison.

Moira Orr, procurator fiscal at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: "Marc Webley's murder was a targeted shooting carried out by Grant Hunter on Hogmanay during a time when many people would have been out celebrating.

"This shocking incident cost one man his life and endangered the life of another, who also suffered a gunshot wound.

"Overall, Hunter's actions put the lives of the public in serious danger.

"This conviction should send a strong message to others involved in this kind of criminal behaviour - you cannot hide from justice, and we will use all the tools available to us as we strive to keep the communities we serve safe."

(c) Sky News 2025: Gunman jailed for at least 26 years for Hogmanay shooting