Salem Rekoub, 28, who was convicted of raping a semi-conscious woman in Chelsea, West London, is reportedly fearful for his safety while serving a 21-year prison sentence at Wormwood Scrubs. Rekoub, an Algerian migrant previously employed illegally by Deliveroo, is said to be refusing to leave his cell and has made threats to harm himself.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Rekoub's fellow inmates are aware of the nature of his crime, contributing to his current state of anxiety and isolation. Prison staff have described him as “petrified” and indicated that he is under close observation due to concerns over his well-being. Reports suggest that his self-harm threats may be a tactic to receive protection or be transferred to a less challenging environment within the prison.

Rekoub was convicted after forcibly dragging his victim off a street and committing the assault in Chelsea. His actions have drawn significant public attention, and the case has highlighted issues surrounding prison safety for individuals convicted of sex offences.

Wormwood Scrubs officials have not commented publicly on the specifics of Rekoub's confinement or mental health status, but prison policies require that any threats of self-harm are taken seriously and carefully monitored. The situation reflects ongoing challenges within the penal system regarding the management and protection of inmates who face risks from other prisoners due to the nature of their crimes.