SHE has taken seven years to establish her specialist toy business attracting customers from across the south.

But just five months after opening her third toy shop - Wicor Models in Portchester - Linda Strange lost £6,196 of stock when two men smashed through her window wrecking her display.

Three top of the range dolls houses were completely destroyed by flying shards of glass and Mrs Strange, 55, was forced to throw away dozens of unsaleable Russ bears, toy cats, dogs and a Bagpuss.

Now four months after the incident on February 19, she hopes the perpetrator will soon be brought to justice after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Former nurse Andrew Bennett, 40, of Roman Grove, Portchester, was yesterday found guilty in his absence at Fareham Magistrates' Court of criminal damage, common assault and failing to respond to bail.

Duncan Watson, prosecuting, described how drunken Bennett had started arguing with another Portchester man over a dispute about their two dogs.

He told how Bennett started goading Terence Hopkins, in his 20s, before both lunged across the pavement smashing through the glass of the West Street shop.

The court was told how Bennett then got up and waved a piece of glass menacingly through Portchester market.

No defence for Bennett's actions was offered in court after he failed to turn up for the fourth time.

After the case, Mrs Strange of Bognor Regis described the incident as "terrifying."

"I called 999 after hearing what sounded like an explosion. I really thought people were going to be seriously hurt - there were around ten customers at the time but luckily no children. I thought there was going to be a bloodbath in my shop."

After the case Portchester beat officer PC Bill Cummings said there was now an increased police presence in Portchester since the incident.

"We now have two beat officers where we only used to have one. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."

A date has yet to be set for Bennett's sentencing.