The Punter was a customer of drugs boss Harvey who Leanne Battersby had to deliver a consignment to after she was forced to work for him to protect her son Simon Barlow from his threats. The unkempt punter lived in a run-down flat in Gable Street and Leanne was keen to get away after handing over the package but he refused to let her leave until he had checked the contents, as there were rumours that some of Harvey's latest gear had been dodgy. Although eventually satisfied, the man then blocked the exitway, wanting to "get to know" Leanne better. Made of hard stuff, she stood her ground and made it clear to the man that she would report him to Harvey for attempting to rip him off unless he let her out. Knowing the consequences of such an action, the man stood aside and let her out.