The case of 12 British planespotters accused in Greece of spying would be farcical if it wasn't so serious.

In Britain, these men and women are regarded as harmless enthusiasts who can be seen in every airport taking down details of each aircraft.

But in Greece this sort of behaviour is unknown and they were regarded with extreme suspicion.

Now the planespotters, who include Christopher Wilson from Horsham, have received sentences out of all proportion to what they did.

Six have received the preposterous punishment of three years in jail. The other six, including Mr Wilson, have been given one-year suspended sentences.

Immediate appeals have been launched and there has been an outcry among MPs of all political parties.

They are right to be outraged. But at present this is a legal, rather than a political matter, and action should be postponed until the result of the appeal.

If by any chance the convictions and sentences are upheld, there should be an immediate and sustained protest by the Government.

It should also extend to ordinary people who are appalled that people taking part in an innocent hobby should be clapped into jail in a so-called civilised country.

More than any other nation in the EU, Greece relies on tourism. A well-supported boycott could force the Greek government to intervene and set them free.