Man Sentenced to Four Years for London Assault Witnessed by Barron Trump
Matvei Rumiantsev, a 23-year-old Russian national residing in Canary Wharf, east London, has been handed a four-year prison sentence for a violent assault on a woman. The attack, which occurred in January of last year, was witnessed in real-time by Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump, during a video call.
Details of the Assault and Conviction
Rumiantsev was convicted in January at Snaresbrook Crown Court on charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice. The court heard that the assault took place at the victim's London flat, triggered by Rumiantsev's jealousy over her developing friendship with Barron Trump, whom she had met through social media.
During the sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Bennathan described Rumiantsev as "totally unrepentant" and noted that he still blames the victim for the incident. The judge detailed that Rumiantsev "snapped" and struck the victim "multiple times over a prolonged period in the region of an hour," resulting in multiple injuries. When the victim attempted to escape to a neighbor, Rumiantsev dragged her back into the flat by her hair.
Barron Trump's Role in Reporting the Crime
Barron Trump, who was in the United States at the time, was on a FaceTime call with the victim when the attack began. He immediately contacted City of London Police to report witnessing the assault on January 18 of last year. A transcript of his call was read in court, with Trump stating, "Oh I'm calling from the US, uh, I just got a call from a girl, you know, she's getting beat up."
In his testimony, Trump explained, "I didn't expect her to pick up due to the difference in the time zone to the fact I am in the USA, the phone was answered but not by her, to my dismay. The individual who picked up the phone was a shirtless man with darkish hair, although I didn't get a good look, this view lasted maybe one second and I was racing with adrenaline." He added that the camera then showed the victim being hit while crying, with the call ending abruptly after five to seven seconds.
Judge Bennathan praised Trump for "properly and responsibly" alerting UK authorities, highlighting the significance of his swift action in the case.
Additional Charges and Sentencing Details
Rumiantsev, described as a "trained fighter," was also convicted of perverting the course of justice after writing to his victim from prison, urging her to withdraw her allegations. However, he was found not guilty of one count of rape and intentional strangulation related to the same day, as well as another count of rape and assault alleged to have occurred in November 2024.
The judge emphasized the victim's fear during the incident, recalling her 999 call where she pleaded, "Please help me. I'm going to get killed." He stated, "I'm in no doubt whatsoever that was exactly how she felt."
As part of the sentencing, the court issued a seven-year restraining order prohibiting Rumiantsev from contacting the victim. Judge Bennathan also recommended deportation, noting that if Rumiantsev is not deported, he will be released on licence after serving 40% of his four-year sentence.
This case underscores the severe consequences of domestic violence and the critical role of bystander intervention, even across international borders, in ensuring justice for victims.
