Dave Arquati wrote:
Yup - and I would add that you should print out this relevant section of
the conditions and carry it with you when travelling, in order to avoid
long arguments with the ticket inspectors. If they challenge you, just
show them the print out, and they'll find it very hard to argue back
without looking like idiots for not knowing their job!

This is a link to the full NCoC, which doesn't have any TOC branding and
so avoids the ticket inspector claiming that the rule only applies to
Southern (or some such nonsense):
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/system...misc/NRCOC.pdf

You'll find the relevant passage on page 7 of the PDF, section 17. I
would highlight "one of the following applies" and part (a).

Thanks a lot for that Dave, and thanks to all others for your answers.
I was pretty sure I was right, but it's good to have it backed up in
black & white. I rang South Eastern this morning and they seemed
stunned that it had happened, and asked me to put it in writing. I've
sent an email off, so it'll be interesting to see what response I get.
Also it'll be interesting to see if I get the same hassle tomorrow if
it's the same staff.

Patrick