A petition has been launched calling for the release of a High Wycombe businessman from a Qatar prison as he faces 37 years behind bars – for issuing cheques that bounced.

Jonathan Nash, former CEO at Top House in Qatar, has been languishing in prison since March 2015 because he wrote a number of cheques on behalf of the business, which were then reportedly blocked by the firm following an alleged internal disagreement.

He found himself personally liable and facing the rest of his life in prison.

The father-of-two’s desperate family and friends have been campaigning for his release from jail – and a petition calling on the UK government to raise Mr Nash’s case with the Qatari government has so far gathered more than 1,700 signatures.

It was set up by his close friend, Graham Harris, who said: “Jonathan has been given no day in court, no defence and no opportunity to state his case.

“As a man in his forties it is not inconceivable that he will die in prison if this isn’t resolved. Jonathan is a good man, a family man, who hasn’t seen his two young daughters for three years.”

If the petition – which runs for six months until March 12 - reaches 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it. If it reaches 100,000, it will be considered for debate in parliament.

To sign the petition, go to https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/228216.