Woman charged in unlawful entry, battery case

SANDPOINT — A 53-year-old woman was arrested last week on charges of unlawful entry and battery after allegedly barging into a home without an invitation.

Sandpoint police officers received calls just after midnight on July 5 about a woman who had entered someone else’s home on Division Avenue uninvited and became violent when she was asked to leave. When police arrived, the homeowner told officers the woman had already left, the probable cause affidavit said.

According to the owner, they and their guest were awoken to the doorbell being rung repeatedly and loud banging on the door. When they opened the door to see who was at their home, court records contend that Denise Goughnour pushed her way into the house. It is unclear if Goughnour knows either the homeowner or the guest that was staying at the residence at that time, according to court records.

When Goughnour was repeatedly told to leave, she eventually became violent, swinging her arms at the pair, court records said. When that didn’t work, the probable cause affidavit says Goughnour kicked the houseguest in the groin.

After this, she quickly left before police arrived on the scene, court records said. Goughnour was eventually arrested and charged with unlawful entry as well as battery. No bail has been set at this time and her arraignment will be held on Aug. 18.

An arraignment is when a defendant is brought before a judge and informed of the charges against them. This also gives the defendant an opportunity to ask for bail. Before bail is granted, the judge reviews their criminal background to determine if the defendant will pose a significant risk if released. If the defendant is denied bail or if the defendant cannot post bail, they will be kept in custody until their trial.