Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus. Und.) deliberately negative testimony by the police against a criminal with the aim of ensuring a lengthy sentence.

1975

Bulletin (Sydney) 26 Apr. 45: A bake is a verbal assault, also known as a ‘roast’, or ‘being put on the griller.’ This method of having the court view the defendant in the worst possible light is a common tactic adopted by the police when they want a man sentenced to a long term.