Largely because of the compassion shown by his mugging victim's husband, 16-year-old Tyrone Brangman has been given a second chance at life.

It is important that he does not waste it. In February, Mr. Brangman knocked 77-year-old Josie Ray to the ground and stole her purse outside a post office.

The blow put Mrs. Ray into a coma from which she will probably never emerge.

That's bad enough. But Mrs. Ray was well known in the community as a gentle and kind-hearted person who went out of her way to hurt others.

Given that, few would have been unhappy if Mr. Brangman had been imprisoned for a long time for an act which was not far short of murder.

But a funny thing happened two weeks ago when the teenager appeared in court to be sentenced.

Mrs. Ray's husband, William (Cheese) Ray, in an act of almost unbelievable Christian charity, forgave him and appealed to the court to give him a second chance.

The judge obliged and now Mr. Brangman has a chance to straighten out his still young life.

Mr. Brangman told the court: "I pray every night for that God helps Mrs. Ray to get better and for her family. I can understand how they feel but I ask for their forgiveness."

It is unlikely that he will get the first part of his wish, but he has been given the second.

Mr. Ray said: "I hope he follows the instructions the judge gave him today and will be able to turn his life around."

Some people will expect him to fail. And he now has a double burden. He has committed a terrible crime and now owes a responsibility not only to Mrs. Ray but to her whole family. He must not let them down.