Howard Riddle, sitting at Belmarsh Magistrates’ Court, dismissed the arguments put forward by Mr Assange’s lawyers and ruled that there were no grounds for opposing the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) accusing him of rape and sexual molestation. Mr Assange denies the charges which, his lawyers claimed, would not be criminal offences in the UK.

The judge dismissed claims that, if extradited to Sweden, Mr Assange would not receive a fair trial. He also rejected the argument that, once in Sweden, Mr Assange could face extradition proceedings from the USA where he could potentially face the death penalty.

Unless his lawyers succeed in overturning the judgement at an appeal, Mr Assange, who is an Australian citizen, will be extradited to Sweden within 10 days.

Mr Assange was remanded on bail pending extradition.