# Anonymous Threat to Journalist Lands Man in Court | Melbourne News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/melbourne-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7572838/anonymous-threat-to-journalist-lands-man-in-court-melbourne-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/melbourne-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7572838/anonymous-threat-to-journalist-lands-man-in-court-melbourne-news.md
Podcast: [Melbourne News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/melbourne-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7572838)
Published: 2026-07-20T04:59:37+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/901843e12a2d1480
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/71253da0-4b4a-4c31-bbab-c7952e2a9ad0.mp3
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Duration seconds: 108

## Resource

A 32-year-old man named David Scholes made a chilling, anonymous threat to top Australian journalist Nick McKenzie on Christmas Eve 2025, using a program he had access to and disabling his caller ID. The call, filled with menacing language and threats to “find” McKenzie, sparked a police investigation and led to Scholes’ home being searched. Facing court, Scholes took responsibility, admitting his company’s collapse had left him and his family unemployed — and that he wrongly blamed McKenzie for his job loss. McKenzie, a decorated investigative reporter tackling sensitive stories involving outlaw motorcycle gangs, called the attack a disturbing trend targeting journalists doing public interest work. Prosecutors argued the punishment must deter others, highlighting journalists’ vital role, while Scholes’ lawyer claimed it was a one-off, regrettable mistake. Ultimately, the magistrate sentenced him to a diversion program: a year of good behavior and anger management, avoiding a criminal record — a rare chance for accountability without permanent stigma. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/901843e12a2d1480

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