The definition of "imitation firearm" in the Firearms Act 1968 s.57(4) meant that the offence of possessing an imitation firearm contrary to s.17(2) of the Act required an accused to be carrying a "thing" which was separate and distinct from himself. Putting one's hand inside a jacket and using the fingers to force out the material so as to give the impression of a firearm fell outside the scope of s.17(2) as a person's fingers were not a "thing".

[2005] UKHL 18