Westminster Magistrates' Court

[4] A church spokesperson characterised the allegations as bizarre, later stating that Monson has no intention of appearing in person at the 14 March hearing.

Experts consulted by the press found it highly unlikely that Monson would be extradited from the United States.

"[5] The person lodging the complaint is the managing editor of "a website highly critical of the church.

[7] Monson did not appear at the 14 March hearing, but instead was represented by legal counsel, who contested the summons.

[8] On 20 March 2014, Howard Riddle, then chief magistrate, ruled that the case was "an abuse of the process of the court" and that "the court is being manipulated to provide a high-profile forum to attack the religious beliefs of others".