A YOUTH whose #7000 character-building safari sparked off a public

outcry is to return to the controversial rehabilitation centre which

organised the trip.

Magistrates at Gloucester Youth Court yesterday rejected the

possibility of a custodial sentence on the 17-year-old, who admitted

more than 30 charges, mostly for motoring and vehicle offences.

Instead they imposed a 12-months close supervision order. The order

was granted to Gloucester social services giving them power to locate

him at any centre in Britain.

However, after the hearing, Gloucester County Council said: ''It is

intended that he returns to Bryn Melyn where he will complete a

programme of treatment already begun.''

Magistrates were told the boy would be under round-the-clock close

supervision for at least six months.