A couple's attempt to outsmart the police earlier this morning backfired when their plans to create a diversion to drive home was thwarted and they were arrested for making a false complaint.

The unfortunate pair had earlier been stopped by police and given a roadside breath test, which resulted in the driver being forbidden to drive.

Rather than get a taxi home they concocted a plan to call the police and report a robbery at a nearby service station and while the police were tied up at the bogus call they would get back into their car and drive home.

The officer who had initially stopped them was responding to the robbery when he saw the couple getting back into their vehicle.

His suspicions were soon realized when he discovered that they had given their real names when reporting the false crime.

Issued By: Inspector Barry Smalley