Phil Spector doesn't mix with inmates

Phil Spector says prison is like a "snake pit".

The legendary music producer – who is serving a life sentence for murdering actress Lana Clarkson – has written a series of rambling letters to his friend Steve Escobar, complaining about being locked up with "crazed killers".

The 69-year-old star wrote: "Imagine sending me to the same prison - shows how low they can go. I should be in a better prison with people more like myself in it instead of all these lowlife scumbags, gangsters and Manson types. They would kill you in here for a 39 cent bag of soup!"

Spector, who is serving his time at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran, added he would rather stay locked in his 3ft by 7ft cell than mix with other inmates at mealtimes.

He said: "I know it is a chance to get out of my cell going to the dining room but the less I see of the inmates, the better and safer I feel. Even though 24/7 lockdown in a three by seven cell is very tough."

He also described a visit from his 29-year-old former Playboy model wife Rachelle – who he describes as a "Darwinian blessing" – which was soured by a "mean and nasty" guard who made her change out of her skimpy clothes to comply with the prison dress code.

Rachelle has been visiting the facility twice a week, improving Spector's mood "considerably".

He wrote: "She's a real trouper. All in all, it's like a dream come true having her by my side again."