Oh come on NOPAX.
They broke the law, plain and simple. I don't think it matters a toss whether the warnings were not as strict as they should have been. I do agree however that the punishments dished out so far are way out of order.
I can understand where you are coming from, you appear to be much closer to 'the action' than the rest of us, but from what I've read both here on PPRuNe and other sources, Paul Coppin is not the innocent he is being portrayed as. You cannot go abroad, totally disregard the laws of the county and say, when caught, I'm only pursuing my hobby.
I have never been on one of his tours but I know people who have and it doesn't matter where they go, PC and a few of his Generals have to get 'one more number'.
I sincerley hope they get home safe and have a wonderful Christmas with their families.