James Richards, 36, was hired by Glasgow-based gang leader David Nisbet to travel from Liverpool to carry out the shooting of crime rival Ryan Carvil for between £70,000 and £100,000.

But evidence gathered by police and prepared by prosecutors showed the plan faltered when Richards reneged on the arrangement at the 11th hour.

He was imprisoned at the High Court in Edinburgh for seven years and six months after pleading guilty to a charge of being involved in serious organised crime between April 9 and 13, 2020.

Richards was also made subject of a serious crime prevention order (SCPO) which will last for three years following his release from prison and is aimed at ensuring he does not return to a life of crime.

Messages on the encrypted communications platform Encrochat, favoured by criminals, revealed how Nisbet, the principal of an organised crime group in Glasgow, discussed the assassination plot with Richards and two other associates.

Eventually, he reached an agreement for Richards to carry out the shooting for payment that varied between £70,000 and £100,000. Conversations included plans for Richards to travel up from England to a flat in Lenzie near Glasgow before carrying out the plan to shoot Carvill.

Images were also posted showing a gun and a wrapped bundle of cash. On April 11, 2020, the accused was given a gun and taken on a tour of places where his victim was likely to be that day by criminal associates of Nisbet.

But Richards pulled out hours before the killing was due to take place over fears that his getaway car was not fast enough as well as doubts over the arrangements. Police officers then stopped Richards’ car on the M74 as he headed back south.

Although nothing of note was found in the vehicle, a subsequent analysis of the Encrochat communications revealed the scope of his involvement in the conspiracy to commit murder.

Prosecutor Sineidin Corrins said: “This was appalling criminality with all the hallmarks of a dispute between serious organised criminals.

“It was nothing less than an attempt to import lethal gangsterism from the wider UK on to the streets of Scotland. It could easily have jeopardised the lives of innocent people.

“James Richards has been brought to justice and is now serving a lengthy prison sentence. This conviction should send a strong message to others involved in this kind of criminal behaviour.”