WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrives back in his native Australia

Mr Assange left the UK on Monday evening and flew to Saipan via Bangkok after the plea deal was signed on June 19

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange embraces his wife Stella as he arrives in Canberra (Hilary Wardhaugh/PA)

Julian Assange needs time to “rediscover freedom” after arriving in his native Australia a free man, his wife has said.

The WikiLeaks founder flew into the country’s capital Canberra on Wednesday in the final act of an extraordinary few days following his dramatic release from a London prison.