The private detective facing charges over the HP snooping scandal is pleading guilty and will give evidence for the prosecution.

Bryan Wagner, of Littleton, Colorado, is charged with identity theft and conspiracy. He is accused of getting hold of a reporter's Social Security number and using it to access their phone records.

Wagner's lawyer told AP that he was told several times by people at HP that what he was doing was legal.

Wagner is expected in court later today.

More from AP here.