By the time Shayne Lund’s court case wrapped up in Barrie this week, his lawyer had spent three years dealing with evidence relating to sex crimes against children and animals, wading through reams of graphic text messages and photos and hearing heart-wrenching testimony from victims.
As he left the courthouse after his client’s sentencing, Eginhart Ehlers said the experience had taken its toll.
“Police officers will stay on these types of cases for determined periods of time at the end of which it’s recognized in the meantime by the medical community that the effect on the individual is profound,” he said.
“Based on my experience with Mr. Lund and others, I have now turned down a number of these cases,” Ehlers said. “It has a profound effect on us, there’s no doubt about that.”
While Ehlers said he didn’t need counselling at this time, he stressed that he would not hesitate to seek help if it became necessary, adding that he has known court clerks to do the same in the past.
