A Vancouver Supreme Court judge apologized on Friday for using profanity during final arguments in his packed courtroom.

Court transcripts show Justice Peter Leask used the F-word four times during a cocaine trafficking trial, while children were visiting the courtroom on a field trip.

In an unprecedented court session on Friday, Justice Leask apologized for his conduct.

"The language I used had no place in the courtroom and I was wrong to use it as I did. I wish to apologize to the public, any members of the public who were in court on Tuesday morning, including especially any school children," Leask said.

He went on to say, "My behaviour was inexcusable, I deeply regret my actions and they will not be repeated."

He delivered his two minute address to a packed courtroom of 100 people, the largest at Vancouver's Supreme Court.

The special sitting was approved by Chief Justice Donald Brenner, who along with the attorney general of British Columbia, had not publicly chastised Justice Leask for his remarks.

Lawyers involved in the case were quick to defend the judge. They said there was no need to apologize for his remarks even though children were present.

"My son is 13-years-old and he has more offensive language than that on half the songs on his iPod and I'm not going home to confiscate it tonight," defense lawyer Neil Cobb told CTV Vancouver.

"Half of those kids were probably listening to their iPods while they were in court. It was complete and utter non issue."

The judge made the comments as prosecutor Ernie Froess presented his final submissions.

"His comments were obviously heart-felt and genuine. As far as I'm concerned I've put this issue to rest," Froess said.

"I didn't take the judge's comment to be a criticism of me, or as derogatory of me, in any way,'' Froess told The Canadian Press outside court.

"It was simply an exchange between the court and the Crown during my closing arguments. During the exchange the judge did use some colourful expressions but there is no rule that says the Crown has to be treated with kid gloves.''

Leask had acquitted a Hells Angels member on a cocaine trafficking charge, one day after he swore in court.

"The language that I used has no place in the courtroom and I was wrong to use that language,'' Leak said in court today.

He added, "I hereby wish to make an unreserved apology to those I have enumerated and acknowledge that my behaviour was inexcusable.

"To the extent that my conduct has damaged the reputation of the court . . . I am particularly anxious that my colleagues recognize my contrition."

With a report from CTV's Mike Killeen and files from The Canadian Press