MUG SHOT SHOWS SPECTOR MINUS WIG

A prison photograph of Phil Spector has offered a rare view of the jailed music producer without one of his many wigs.

The mug shot, taken on 5 June, shows a gaunt, bald-pated man with long stringy hair on the sides of his head.

Spector, 69, was sentenced last month to 19 years to life for killing actress Lana Clarkson at his home in 2003.

Over the course of two trials the “Wall of Sound” pioneer turned heads with his flamboyant hairpieces – forbidden in US prisons unless medically necessary.

“They took my husband's freedom and dignity. So why not his hair?” said Spector's wife Rachelle.

“In case you don't know, they don't allow for much accessorising while in prison.”

Spector is being processed and evaluated at North Kern State Prison in Delano, California before being sent to his final prison destination.

The photo was released by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as part of its policy of transparency in public information.

Spector was given a retrial this year after the jury in his 2007 trial failed to reach a unanimous decision.

In his 1960s heyday he produced dozens of hits, including The Ronette's Be My Baby and The Righteous Brothers' You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'.