Man admits to making 'menacing' phone call to Age journalist

A Melbourne man has been ordered to complete an anger management course after admitting to making a "menacing" phone call to award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie on Christmas Eve 2025. David Scholes, 32, called McKenzie a "f***ing scumbag" during the two-minute call.

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Bro I f***ing hope you sleep well at night … you're a rat

The incident occurred after McKenzie, a reporter for The Age, published stories about Scholes's employer, MA Services Group. These articles detailed allegations of suspected tax evasion, worker exploitation, and sexual harassment linked to the company's founder. The security company subsequently collapsed in late 2025, leaving approximately 1,700 people unemployed.

Court documents revealed that Scholes allegedly used software from his workplace to find McKenzie's phone number, which was not publicly listed. He then reportedly called McKenzie, boasting that the reporter was easy to locate. During a police interview, Scholes stated he made the call because he blamed McKenzie for job losses at the company, where several of his family members were employed. He also expressed concern that an article might be written about him and his wife.

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Journalists and the media play an important role in the community and this type of menacing behaviour is designed to intimidate them performing that role

Prosecutor Annina Tropea told the court that the incident left McKenzie feeling "rattled and under attack," emphasizing the importance of journalists' role in the community and how such behavior aims to intimidate them. Defense lawyer Alastair Grigor noted Scholes's full admissions and an apology letter he wrote to the reporter. Magistrate Donna Bakos described the call as "menacing" and "distressing to receive," placing Scholes on a diversion order, meaning no formal conviction will be recorded if he adheres to the terms, including the anger management program and a 12-month good behavior bond.

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It is pleasing to see people being held accountable for threatening journalists, which could have a chilling effect on public interest reporting if left unchecked.