PC Ali Woolmer was involved in the impromptu raid on a house in the East Chesterton area of Cambridge.

A 'sizeable' number of plants were seized -- but the grower was judged to be of 'good character' as well as being a community activist and was therefore given a caution instead of facing prosecution.

"This is absolutely disgraceful," said Lil Speed, a founding member of the East Chesterton Action Group.

"If anyone else was to be caught growing cannabis they could at least expect to go to court and even prison."

"I think I'll start growing cannabis."

"Just because he is involved in the community doesn't mean he should just be cautioned."

"He should be named and shamed."

PC Woolmer felt that his actions were justified by the circumstances of the case.

"During one of my crime inquiries, I chanced upon a sizeable amount of cannabis plants at an address in East Chesterton," he said in an mass email sent out to Cambridgeshire Police officers.

"The plants were seized and will be destroyed."

"The occupant of the address admitted ownership of the plants and admitted they were for their own recreational use."

"The occupant was given an on-the-spot caution, due to their previous good character and pro-active role in an area of the northern sector community."

"However, growing cannabis is illegal and appropriate action had to be taken."

"The crime inquiry I was undertaking was a completely unrelated matter, so it was even more satisfying to come across this find."

He is about to start a new job with the Metropolitan Police.

"I hope that in some way, shape, or form I have managed to make a difference to some people," PC Woolmer said.

"But I know we cannot please everybody all the time, but at least I can say that I did my best."