For other people reading this, if the handle still wouldn't push up completely with the door open then it is likely the "multipoint door lock" had failed. You may be looking at £200 to have this part replaced or between £60 - £100 to buy a replacement online and fit it yourself.
One company I have used in the past was www.upvc-hardware.co.uk
They had the lock I needed in stock and all in it cost me just over £70, much cheaper than the local locksmith quoted to replace it!!!!
Chris
April 2008