Help with cigarette lighter 03 protege es

[alillowr]

I have a problem where my cigarette fuse (CLN in the fuse box) keeps blowing. What I would like to do is just completely replace my cigarette lighter assembly, but it looks like the assembly was messed with by the previous owner. It looks like he tried to expand the metal inside so that it latches itself to the plastic on the inside and now I cant get it out easily. it is loose but I cant reach in the tiny area of the ashtray to try and pry the metal in to get the assembly out. Can anyone tell me how to remove the plastic the cigarette lighter is attached to. I figured if I can get that out with the assembly then it will be much easier to remove.

Please help,

Pictures are good too

Thanks