Julian Assange is expected to be cleared of three sexual assault claims next week after spending so long in hiding in Britain that the allegations have expired, it has emerged.

The Wikileaks founder has been seeking refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy in London for more than three years at a cost to the taxpayer of around £12 million.

Police stand guard during a news conference by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian embassy in central London  Photo: REUTERS/Toby Melville

He is avoiding extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted for questioning over the alleged crimes, which include violent sexual assault.