FOLSOM, Calif., Oct 25 – Charles Manson, described during his Los Angeles murder trial as having near-hypnotic influence over his followers, now is a “loner” convict who rarely leaves his cell at Folsom Prison, according to a spokesman.

“Manson pretty much stays to himself. He’s a loner, doesn’t go into the yard too often,” the Corrections Department spokesman said Wednesday.

Manson, 38, was described as having a Svengali-like influence over his followers, several of whom were convicted along with the cult leader.

“He doesn’t have any hypnotic hold on any of these inmates” in the single cell 4-A adjustment center, the toughest lockup at Folsom, according to the spokesman.

Manson was convicted of the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others at her home and the slayings two nights later of wealthy grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife.

Manson was sentenced to die in the gas chamber March 29, 1971, but the death penalty was later ruled invalid.

Although Manson “doesn’t get too involved with other inmates,” the spokesman said, “he’s not so different. There’s a lot of guys who do a lot of cell time. They just adapt themselves to it.”