A contract killer who murdered a man outside an Edinburgh pub on Hogmanay and later joked that his victim did not live to see the new year has been sentenced to life in prison.
A Targeted Attack on New Year's Eve
Grant Hunter, 34, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 26 years at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. He had pleaded guilty last month to the murder of 38-year-old Marc Webley and the attempted murder of Stewart Pearson.
The fatal shooting occurred shortly before midnight on 31 December 2023 outside The Anchor Inn in Edinburgh. The court heard that Hunter carried out the hit "on behalf of others" who remain unknown to Police Scotland.
The Night of the Murder
CCTV evidence showed Hunter parking a stolen Hyundai Tucson near the pub before approaching Webley and Pearson. After a brief confrontation, Hunter produced a firearm and opened fire.
The initial shots missed Marc Webley but struck Stewart Pearson, who fell to the ground. Pearson survived the attack and has since made a full recovery. Webley, who was wearing a stab-proof vest, was shot in the back as he tried to flee the scene. He was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Lord Mulholland, the sentencing judge, stated that the shots fired at Webley "showed beyond any doubt that you wanted him dead." The murder weapon has never been recovered.
Sinister Boasts and Lack of Remorse
In a chilling display of arrogance, Hunter was reported to have joked on New Year's Day about his victim not seeing the "bells." A witness told police that Hunter claimed he pulled his mask down so Webley would "know who had done it to him."
Lord Mulholland described this act as "sinister" but noted it ultimately led to Hunter's "undoing," as he was subsequently recognised by police and members of the public. The judge said Hunter had shown no remorse for his actions, which were committed for financial gain and to further serious organised crime.
Accomplices Sentenced
Two accomplices were also sentenced for their roles in attempting to pervert the course of justice.
- Emma McVie, 27, Hunter's former partner, who travelled in the stolen car to the scene, cleaned the getaway vehicle and the clothing. She was jailed for four-and-a-half years.
- Gary Robertson, 22, who disposed of the gun and supplied cash, cocaine, and a change of clothes to Hunter and McVie. He received a sentence of six-and-a-half years.
A Strong Message Against Gangsterism
Sentencing Hunter, Lord Mulholland told him his "cowardly actions will haunt you for the rest of your life." He previously described Hunter as a "paid assassin" and emphasised that the streets of Edinburgh and Scotland are not "war zones."
Moira Orr, procurator fiscal for homicide, said the murder was a targeted shooting that endangered public safety during a time of celebration. She added: "This conviction should send a strong message to others involved in this kind of criminal behaviour - you cannot hide from justice."
Grant Hunter was arrested days after the murder following a police investigation.
