Russian man Matvei Rumiantsev has been jailed for four years in London for assaulting a woman, a case that drew attention after US President Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, alerted US police during a video call.Rumiantsev, 23, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The second charge was an attempt to get the victim to drop her complaint by sending her a letter from prison.
Attacks witnessed during video calls
The court heard Barron Trump contacted British police from the US after witnessing part of the attack on a video call in January 2025.“I’m calling from America… I just got a call from a girl and she’s been assaulted,” he told emergency services, according to the transcript.Barron later said the call lasted only a few seconds but showed a “shirtless man” before the camera cut to the shot victim crying.
Jealous girl’s friendship with Barron Trump
Prosecutors told the court that Rumyantsev acted out of jealousy over the woman’s friendship with Barron Trump, whom she met on social media.During the trial, Rumyantsev admitted he was “jealous to some extent” and unhappy with the nature of their interactions.Judge Bennason KC described him as a “jealous” man who was unable to accept responsibility for his actions.
Attack details
Jurors heard Rumyantsev and the woman had been drinking together before the attack on January 18, 2025.When she tried to call for help, he struck her multiple times, including hitting her in the face and grabbing her hair. The victim later said she feared she “could die” during the attack.In her victim impact statement, she said she had “completely withdrawn from this world” and continued to feel “humiliated, terrified and ashamed”.
attempt to pervert the course of justice
Since his arrest, Rumyantsev has repeatedly tried to avoid conviction. He contacted the detained victim and later wrote a letter asking her to withdraw the charges.This resulted in his conviction for perverting the course of justice and an enhanced sentence.
The court cleared him of other charges
In November 2024, Rumyantsev was acquitted of more serious charges, including rape, intentional strangulation and another alleged assault.The judge also warned jurors not to rely solely on Barron Trump’s claims, noting that he had not testified under oath and had not been cross-examined.Still, the court acknowledged that Barron Trump’s actions in alerting authorities helped draw attention to the incident.
