Members of Led Zeppelin have been accused of 'hiding in the UK' during the 'Stairway To Heaven' trial

Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin have been accused of "hiding in the UK" after they signalled through their lawyers that they would not attend the upcoming "Stairway To Heaven" lawsuit that is due to take place on May 10 in Los Angeles.

A pretrial conference order filed on April 24 includes a complaint from the plaintiff's lawyers about Led Zeppelin's refusal to commit to an appearance by Page and Plant at the trial.

Lawyers acting on behalf of Michael Skidmore accuse the pair of "hiding in the UK behind counsel" and alleged that the band members were trying to "game the judicial system" by declining to appear in Los Angeles federal court.

Led Zeppelin's lawyers explained that Page and Plant can't be forced to attend by law. 

"They will be traveling a considerable distance with an eight-hour time difference," the document says.

If the band don't attend the trial then it's likely that two video depositions, which the band requested be filmed in the UK, will be shown instead.

Page and Plant have been accused of copying the introduction to the song "Stairway To Heaven" from another song, "Taurus," by the American rock group Spirit. It's alleged by Michael Skidmore, a trustee for the estate of Spirit songwriter and guitarist Randy Wolfe, that Page and Plant heard performances of "Taurus" before writing "Stairway To Heaven."

Led Zeppelin deny ever hearing the song or copying any part of it.

View the full proposed pretrial conference order here: