Man pleads guilty to Edinburgh gangland Hogmanay pub murder
A man has admitted killing another man during a gang clash at Edinburgh’s 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 the murder, Webley posted on social media encouraging rivals to come and get him.
Webley, 38, had a history of involvement in gang violence. In 2005, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempted murder.
PA MediaThe indictment against Hunter stated that the murder was “aggravated by his connection with serious organized crime.”
Two others – Emma McVie, 27, and Gary Robertson, 22 – also appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh and pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice.
They will be sentenced at a later date.
On New Year’s Eve 2023, Webley was celebrating with friends when Hunter approached him and another man outside the pub in north Edinburgh.
After a brief encounter, Hunter pulled out his gun and shot both men.
Security cameras shown in court showed Webley, who was wearing a stab vest at the time, running away.
However, he was shot in the back and died shortly after from his injuries.
The other man shot, Stuart Pearson, was a friend of Mark Webley. He survived his injuries.
FacebookHunter pleaded guilty to murdering Webley and attempting to murder Mr Pearson.
Judge Lord Mulholland described Hunter as a paid assassin and said the streets of Edinburgh and Scotland were not war zones.
He said the fact that Webley was shot four times showed there was no doubt he wanted him dead.
Hunter was told he would receive a life sentence and there was no guarantee he would be released.
Lord Mulholland told Emma McVie and Gary Robertson they should expect long sentences for helping Hunter try to cover his tracks.
McVie cleaned out the getaway car and the clothes he was wearing. Robertson destroyed the gun, which has still not been found by police.
Criminal Justice social work reports are being prepared ahead of sentencing next month.
