Assange mentally ‘ resilient’, court told

WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange is a “resilient” and “resourceful” man who defied predictions over his mental health, a psychiatrist has told his extradition hearing.

Assange, 49, is fighting extradition to the US, where he faces an 18- count indictment alleging a plot to hack computers and conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information.

Giving evidence for the US government, Dr Nigel Blackwood rebutted defence experts on the extent of Assange’s condition, saying his suicide risk was “manageable”.

He told the Old Bailey: “Mr Assange has proved himself to be a very resilient and very resourceful man and he has underplayed that.

“Predictions were made that did not come to pass.

“It’s been suggested, because of his depression, it would be impossible for him to engage in this process and this has not proved to be the case.”

Dr Blackwood told the court that it was important to consider Assange’s day- to- day functioning beyond what he says about his symptoms.

Assange got involved with painting, reading and exercise, and interacted well with others, he said.

On whether Assange was on the autistic spectrum, Dr Blackwood said there had never been a diagnosis in his history.

If he was on the spectrum, it would be “at the very mildest end”, the psychiatrist suggested.

Dr Blackwood highlighted evidence of Assange being an “extraordinarily selfless father” to his two young children as well as his capacity for warmth, humour and the ability to “engage in banter”.

He added that he had been “highly functioning to a very high level”. The hearing continues.