US President Donald Trump has spared former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio the prospect of serving jail time as he granted the first pardon of his turbulent tenure.

Mr Trump’s move also wiped out Mr Arpaio’s recent federal conviction stemming from his immigration patrols that focused on Latinos.

I am pleased to inform you that I have just granted a full Pardon to 85 year old American patriot Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He kept Arizona safe! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2017

The White House said Mr Arpaio, 85, was a “worthy candidate” for the pardon, citing his “life’s work of protecting the public from the scourges of crime and illegal immigration”.

Joe Arpaio

Mr Trump granted the pardon less than a month after a judge found Mr Arpaio guilty of a charge of contempt of court.

Presidential pardons should not be rewards for bad behavior and discrimination. Granting a pardon to Joe Arpaio is shameful and appalling. — U.S. Senator Al Franken (@SenFranken) August 26, 2017

As millions of people in TX and LA are prepping for the hurricane, the President is using the cover of the storm to 1/ — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 26, 2017

Pardon a man who violated a court's order to stop discriminating against Latinos and 2/ — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 26, 2017

So sad, so weak. 5/5 — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 26, 2017

The pardon drew a swift and harsh denunciation from an array of Latinos and political leaders.