After years behind bars, Julian Assange plans to swim in the ocean every day as he turns a page on the legal fight to avoid US prosecution.

The WikiLeaks founder stepped onto Australian soil on Wednesday night for the first time in 14 years, raising his arms and hugging his wife.

Following years of legal battles, the 52-year-old’s charter jet landed in Canberra to a cheering crowd after he left the UK in a plea deal struck with US authorities.

In a press conference at Parliament House on Thursday, Stella Assange spoke of her husband’s next steps.

“Julian plans to swim in the ocean every day. He plans to sleep asleep in a real bed,” she told reporters.

“He plans to taste real food and he plans to enjoy his freedom.”

Ms Assange recounted the heartfelt moment her children learned their father had won his freedom, but said they were waiting to be reunited as a family together.

“We want to do it when we’re in the same place,” she said.

“I am obviously here and the kids were asleep when he arrived last night, it still hasn’t happened yet.

“They were very excited when they found out that daddy was coming home.

“I managed to send the video of them reacting and jumping on the sofa to Julian while he was in Saipan, and he was very, very pleased.”

Hours after pleading guilty to espionage at a US court on the Pacific island of Saipan – Assange was free – but not ready to face the public.

“I ask you – please – to give us space, to give us privacy, to find our place, to let our family be a family before he can speak again at a time of his choosing,” Ms Assange said as tears welled in her eyes.

She and lawyer Jennifer Robinson faced a large media pack, including questions about the wrongdoing to which Assange pleaded guilty as part of a deal with the US.

“There is no evidence that anyone was physically harmed as a result,” Ms Robinson said in response to questions about the impact of secret documents published by WikiLeaks.

“The public interest in those publications is clear. Evidence of war crimes, that the US had not disclosed the extent of civilian casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan. The use of torture and other forms of human rights abuse around the world.”

Ms Assange said the WikiLeaks founder needed space.

“You have to understand what he’s been through. He needs time. He needs to recuperate,” she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was thanked alongside other politicians and officials for helping to secure his release.

“This is a huge win for Australia and for Australian democracy,” Ms Robinson said.

“This is a huge win for Australia, that our prime minister stood up to our ally, the United States, and demanded the return of an Australian citizen.”

Mr Albanese was the first caller to Assange.

“Julian thanked him and the team and told the prime minister that he had saved his life. And I don’t think that that is an exaggeration,” Ms Robinson said.

Mr Albanese had directly raised the issue with US President Joe Biden.

A group of politicians from across Australia’s parliament converged on Washington to lobby the US on behalf of Assange last September.

For supporters like Rik Jurcevic, a writer and performer who turned up to Wednesday’s homecoming, Assange is a courageous person who stands up for free speech and accountability.

“He’s an incredibly brave man. He is no dummy. He knew that there was danger in taking on the USA,” Mr Jurcevic said.

This post was originally published on Michael West.