Because he stole cheques from his grandfather, a Palmerston North teenager's inheritance has been "adjusted downwards".

On July 23, Nathaniel Patrick Malone, 19, took six cheques from his grandfather's chequebook, which was left on his coffee table.

Over the next five days, Malone cashed five cheques for $7000.

Westpac placed an alert on the account and Malone was caught when he tried to cash the sixth cheque in Feilding on July 28.

The Feilding District Court was told yesterday that Malone's grandparents were standing by him but had dealt out some punishment of their own.

"Action has already been taken by his family to adjust downwards his expected inheritance," Malone's lawyer Mike Ryan said. His grandparents were also concerned about his cannabis use.

Mr Ryan said Malone used the money to buy petrol and clothes and pay for car repairs.

Judge Les Atkins made Malone apologise to his grandparents and sentenced him to two months' community detention, six months' supervision and 40 hours' community work.

He was also ordered to repay $7000 to Westpac as the bank refunded the amount taken from the account.

- © Fairfax NZ News