Austin Demelt’s bench trial for mistreating a llama has been cancelled after the defendant’s attorney indicated that Demelt will be pleading guilty to the charges in a court appearance on Dec. 17 in Harrison County Circuit Court. Animal rights supporters had planned to stage a protest at the start of Demelt’s trial on Friday. The Ridgeway man’s attorney filed a motion for a continuance on Nov. 30, according to court records. Prosecuting Attorney Johnathon Meyer said he has been informed that Demelt will be entering a guilty plea when he appears before Circuit Judge Thomas Alley.