Issue with replacing door handle

Hi All, I'm trying to replace the driver's side exterior door handle on my 97 excel sprint. I have found that the left side bolt (looking from inside) is not releasing due to the plastic surrounding the thread having broken away, so using a socket wrench the bolt is spinning but so is the threaded hole so it remains fixed. I am having difficulty purchasing the bolt hole in such a way that I can remove the bolt. Any ideas? If I need to further explain the issue please let me know. Thanks heaps for any help you are able to give.