Mugging victim Josie Ray has taken a turn for the worse, her daughter Carol Culver told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

Mrs. Ray, 77, of Southampton, has been in coma since she was robbed and knocked to the ground on February 2, as she was checking her mail at the Southampton post office. Her attacker got away with her purse, which contained cash, credit cards and other personal items. Her empty purse was found a few days after the incident.

Mrs. Ray has been on life support since February 4, when she suffered bleeding and swelling of the brain.

"She's still in a coma, not very much has changed," Mrs. Culver said. "Her prognosis has probably worsened, but we're doing the best we can. It's a very difficult situation."

Tyrone Brangman, 16, of no fixed abode, has been charged with violent robbery and causing grievous bodily harm to Mrs. Ray. He is currently in custody awaiting trial.

Wayne Christopher, 17, of Warwick , who claimed he tried to stop the attack on Mrs. Ray, admitted on February 11 that he received her stolen credit card. He is due to appear in Magistrates' Court on April 16 for sentencing.