Lee Hughes, pictured outside court, crashed near his home

The former West Bromwich Albion, Coventry and Kidderminster striker was jailed a fortnight ago for six years for causing death by dangerous driving.

A picture of Hughes in Birmingham Prison has appeared in newspapers.

A Prison Service spokesman confirmed the photograph - which shows Hughes clutching his prison number - was genuine and said an inquiry has begun.

Drinking session

Hughes, 28, was convicted of causing the death of Douglas Graham, 56, by dangerous driving and fleeing the scene of the accident near his home in Meriden.

Coventry Crown Court heard he had gone to a post-match drinking session before his �100,000 Mercedes sports car smashed into a Renault Scenic.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "I can confirm the validity of the photograph.

"I can also confirm that an internal investigation has now been launched by the prison to ascertain just how the image came into the public domain."