The founder of whistle-blowing website Wikileaks, Julian Assange, has been granted bail in London on conditions including cash guarantees of £240,000.
But he is expected to remain in prison overnight as the £200,000 cash required up-front by the court is collected.
His lawyer Mark Stephens said it would take an "inordinately long period of time" for supporters to find the money.
Mr Assange is fighting extradition to Sweden, accused of sexually assaulting two women - charges he denies.
There is confusion about whether Swedish prosecutors plan to lodge an appeal against Mr Assange's release on bail.
Such a challenge could delay the Australian's release from Wandsworth Prison, in south-west London.
Mr Assange was granted bail on condition he provides a security of £200,000 to the court, with a further £40,000 guaranteed in two sureties of £20,000 each.
He must also surrender his passport, obey a curfew at a specified address, wear an electronic tag and report to a local police station every evening.
A number of demonstrators gathered outside City of Westminster Magistrates' Court for the bail hearing on Tuesday.
Mr Assange is due to return to the court on 11 January.
The News Room
