A FATHER today told how his world crumbled after a would-be killer launched a frenzied knife attack on him in a row over a toy koala bear.

Stephen Martin said he lost his job and his family was split up after he was subjected to a savage assault by Alan Sandman at his home in Nelson last December.

Sandman, 48, was yesterday found guilty of attempted murder after a trial at Preston Crown Court.

He had burst into Mr Martin's Chapel Street home after asking for the return of a toy koala which he had earlier given to Martin's daughter Pagan.

But exactly what prompted the ferocious attack remains a mystery.

He picked up a knife Mr Martin and Pagan were using to put up Christmas decorations and stabbed his victim in the head, arms and neck, causing horrific injuries.

Mr Martin who suffered a severed jugular vein only survived because Pagan ran from the house in terror and raised the alarm, and because of the swift action of the emergency services.

But he was left with a sorry legacy when he had to live apart from his daughter for four months during the police investigation and he lost his HGV driving licence because of his injuries. He also has to have regular neuro-surgery appointments as the stab wound to his neck left him with no feeling in the left side of his face.

Former Parachute Regiment sergeant Mr Martin, 52, is now struggling to put his six-month nightmare behind him and re-build his life.

He said: "I am happy at the outcome of the court case, but my whole world fell apart from the moment this man knocked on my door. I have been left with no job and I was without my daughter for four months and all because this man, for whatever reason, attacked me. Pagan has been left traumatised and she still has nightmares.

"We will have to take it step by step to try and build her confidence back up, but we won't answer the door.

"One moment I was at home preparing for Christmas with my little girl and the next thing I was being attacked. I have thought about why this might have happened but I can't think of any reason at all. I guess I will never know why he did what he did.

"The physical injuries I received were just part of what happened. After I came out of hospital I had to spend Christmas on my own, staring at her unopened presents under the tree. There were times I just felt like ending it all, and all because a man I hardly know burst into my house and attacked me.

"It seems so unfair that I have been left in the position I am in with no work and on benefits when he will get three square meals a day and a roof over his head. It seems like rough justice to me, but at least I have my daughter back and that is no small mercy."

Sandman, of Woodcote, Oxfordshire, but formerly of Nelson, denied charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent on December 3 last year. He had claimed he went to the house to ask for the toy and that he was attacked.

He was remanded in custody by judge Anthony Russell QC, the Recorder of Preston, and will be sentenced on August 11 after a pre-sentence and psychiatric report has been prepared. He was warned to expect custody.

After the case Det Con Dave Hindle, of Burnley CID, said: "We are pleased with the verdict.

"This was a savage, senseless and motiveless attack which took place in bizarre circumstances.

"I am sure Sandman will receive a deserved lengthy custodial sentence."