Hitman Admits to Gangland Pub Murder on Hogmanay

Grant Hunter, 34, shot Mark Webley at the Anchor Inn in Granton just before midnight on New Year's Eve two years ago.

In the days before his murder, Webley had posted on social media challenging his rivals to come and capture him.

Webley, 38, had a history of involvement in gangland violence. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempted murder in 2005.

The indictment against Hunter states that the murder was "serious because of its connection to serious organized crime."

Hunter will be sentenced in Glasgow on December 17.

Two other people – Emma McVey, 27, and Gary Robertson, 22 – also appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh and were found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

They will be sentenced later.

On New Year's Eve 2023, Webley was celebrating with friends when Hunter approached him and another man outside a pub north of Edinburgh.

After a brief encounter, Hunter pulled out a gun and shot both men.

Webley, who was wearing a knife vest at the time, was seen running away on CCTV cameras in the court.

But he was shot in the back and died shortly after.

The other person shot was Stuart Pearson, a friend of Mark Webley. He survived his injuries.

Hunter pleaded guilty to the murder of Webley and the attempted murder of Mr. Pearson.

Judge Lord Mulholland described Hunter as a contract killer and said the streets of Edinburgh and Scotland are not a war zone.

He said that four shots were fired at Webley, which shows there is no doubt he intended to kill him.

Hunter was told he would face a life sentence with no guarantee he would ever be released.

Lord Mulholland told Emma McVey and Gary Robertson that they could face lengthy sentences to prevent Hunter from pursuing them.

McVey cleaned up the getaway car and the clothes he was wearing. Robertson disposed of the gun, which police have not yet recovered.

Criminal justice social work reports are being prepared ahead of sentencing next month.

Det Supt Graham Grant said the violence involved in the case wsas "absolutely senseless".

He added: "Our thoughts are with the family of Marc Webley today following these convictions.

"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.

"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."