A Melbourne man has been ordered to complete an anger management program and placed on a good behaviour bond after admitting to making a menacing phone call to a prominent investigative journalist. The ruling from the Melbourne Magistrates Court underscores the judiciary's commitment to protecting members of the press from intimidation.

David Scholes, 32, from Fraser Rise in Melbourne's north-west, appeared in court following charges of using a carriage service to harass or menace. The court heard that Scholes made a two-minute call to award-winning reporter Nick McKenzie on Christmas Eve in 2025, during which he used abusive language, calling McKenzie a "f***ing scumbag" and a "rat", and boasting about his ability to find the reporter.

The intimidating call was a direct consequence of McKenzie's extensive reporting on Scholes's former employer, MA Services Group. McKenzie's investigative pieces had detailed serious allegations of suspected tax evasion, worker exploitation, and sexual harassment linked to the company's founder. The security firm subsequently collapsed in late 2025, resulting in approximately 1,700 people losing their jobs.

Court documents revealed Scholes deliberately used software from his workplace to track down McKenzie's unlisted phone number. He then disabled his phone's caller ID before making the call, telling the journalist, "Bro I f***ing hope you sleep well at night … you're a rat." During a police interview, Scholes admitted to making the call, citing his belief that McKenzie was responsible for the job losses, which also affected several of his family members. He also expressed concern that an article might be written about him and his wife.

Prosecutor Annina Tropea informed the court that the incident left McKenzie feeling "rattled and under attack." Ms. Tropea stressed the vital role journalists and the media play within the community, asserting that such menacing behaviour is designed specifically to intimidate them and obstruct them from performing their essential duties.

Defence lawyer Alastair Grigor stated that his client had made full admissions and had also penned an apology letter to the reporter. Magistrate Donna Bakos described the phone call as "menacing" and "distressing to receive." Scholes was placed on a diversion order, meaning he has taken responsibility for the call, but no formal finding of guilt will be entered, nor will a conviction be recorded against him. The Magistrate also noted that six character references were tendered on Scholes's behalf, who was supported by family in court.

Nick McKenzie is widely regarded as one of Australia's most decorated reporters, having received 20 Walkley awards for journalistic excellence. Since 2024, he has dedicated considerable effort to reporting on allegations of corruption and criminality within Victoria's building industry, often tackling sensitive and high-stakes subjects.

The incident highlights the growing concerns within the media industry about the safety of journalists and the potential chilling effect threats can have on public interest reporting. Industry bodies and editorial leaders have consistently affirmed the importance of holding individuals accountable for threatening journalists, emphasizing that such actions undermine the core principles of a free and informed society. This incident also comes after an unrelated event in October 2025, when an offender targeted McKenzie's home, attempting to disable his security system.

Under the terms of the court order, Scholes will be subject to a 12-month good behaviour bond in addition to completing the mandated anger management program.