DaddyOFive couple famous for YouTube prank videos could face ten years in prison for child neglect

Michael and Heather Martin from Maryland face two charges of mistreating two of their five children

A couple who became famous for their Youtube channel, DaddyOFive could face up to ten years in prison after being charged with child neglect.

Michael and Heather Martin from Maryland, face two charges of mistreating two of their five children between November 2016 and April 2017.

Their YouTube channel, which has amassed more than 700,000 subscribers, is dedicated to prank videos, many of which involve their children.

One video in particular shows Mr Martin spreading what she said was ink that would soon disappear and then blaming the children for the stains.

The couple can then be heard shouting at the children and leaving them in tears – an outcome which is very common in their videos.

Other videos on the channel have also been highlighted as crossing the line and being "abusive". In one in particular the children play a game in which the penalty results in one child slapping the other.

In another, they accuse one child, named Cody, of a range of bad behaviour and then proceed to punish him physically and emotionally for it.

Many of the prank videos have been removed and the couple posted a clip issuing an apology. They have also said their children participated willingly and the pranks were harmless.

“What started out as family fun and entertainment took on a life of its own. Before we knew it, we were caught-up in our family's popularity which led to some poor decisions,” the description of the apology video says.

“Upon reflection, we realise there were mistakes made that caused our family some pain; we offer our most humble and sincere apology to those we negatively impacted and offended, particularly our wonderful children. Our children are safe.

“Off camera and out of character, they are normal, happy kids who play sports and love being with their family and friends,” it adds.

The pair could now face up to five years in prison per count and a $5,000 (£3,880) fine.

Stephen Tully, their attorney, confirmed a plea agreement had been reached but declined to provide details, The Frederick News Post reported.